USA -(Ammoland.com)- Today the Texas State Rifle Association joins with all Texans to hold in our hearts and in our prayers the 26 people who lost their lives and others who were injured at the First Baptist Church in Sutherland Springs, Texas.
The lone gunman is deceased and first reports are that he was stopped by a neighbor of the church.
We thank Texas Governor Greg Abbott for going to the scene to comfort and to investigate. We also thank the various law enforcement agencies involved in the ongoing investigation including the Wilson County Sheriff, the Bexar County District Attorney, the Texas Rangers, DPS, the FBI, BATF, and others.
Governor Abbott has been contacted by President Trump, by Texas Senators Cruz and Cornyn, and by members of the Texas Legislature.
Texas State Rifle Association was formed in 1919 to promote shooting sports and foster the spirit of competition in Texas. Today, TSRA has grown into an organization with 36,000 members, and is the premier firearms organization in the State of Texas. Our mission is protecting Texan’s Second Amendment rights, preserving the Texas heritage of gun ownership, supporting competition, and introducing the next generation of Texans to the shooting sports.
TSRA is engaged in a wide array of efforts. We maintain a full-time legislative lobbyist, we host and sponsor a variety of competitions, and provide insight and expertise to our members via publications, online resources and professional staff. Members can learn about legislation, Second Amendment initiatives, license to carry, women’s programs, gun collecting, shooting ranges and local clubs, gun shows, hunting opportunities, access our calendar of events, and find quality services through our Business/Club Directory.
TSRA is proud of our youth shooting and education initiatives which are run through the TSRA Foundation. The Foundation sponsors youth competitions, trains coaches, assist clubs and local teams, awards scholarships, cultivates partnerships and hold events. Through the TSRA Foundation members can find information and assistance in getting themselves or their child started in shooting sports.
History:
Texas State Rifle Association (TSRA) was founded and officially organized in 1919 although some reports mention a “Texas State Rifle Association” that predates that time. The Texas State Rifle Association started when gun clubs and shooting clubs from across the state got together and wanted to compete against each other. In the early 20th Century, TSRA held competitions across the state, much like we do today. These matches were held in a city, announced in a newspaper, and brought in Texans and even those from neighboring states. For almost 100 years, the Texas State Rifle Association has been committed to our first of many missions: Promoting the Shooting Sports. In 1919, that meant local, regional, and state matches. Now, TSRA holds regional and state matches for over 20 shooting competitions and disciplines.
In the mid-20th century Texas State Rifle Association started sending out newsletters to its members known as the TSRA Sportsman. May of 2001, the TSRA Sportsman evolved to a full-color bi-monthly publication. Regardless of its appearance, the TSRA Sportsman has always served to update members on current news, hunter education programs, shooting sports competitions, and important issues affecting their Second Amendment rights.
TSRA in the 21st Century:
Driven by its strong legislative focus and need to be an association for the entire state, TSRA moved to Austin, Texas in July of 2009. Previously, the TSRA had been located in the Dallas-Fort Worth Area. The Texas State Rifle Association will be 100 Years Old in 2019.
TSRA PAC:
In the mid-eighties, the Texas State Rifle Association Board of Directors saw the need to establish a Political Action Committee (PAC) and a full-time lobbyist in Austin. This was done to take a more active role in state legislative matters which could affect use of firearms for sporting and self-defense purposes. Find more information at www.tsrapac.com.
Although the TSRA Legislative Director and legislative efforts had many successes in those first few years, one of the biggest successes came when Texas passed Concealed Handgun License legislation in 1995. TSRA also saw successes in the Texas Legislature by helping pass legislation like the Castle Doctrine, Employer Parking Lot Law, and the Motorist Protection Act (or Car Carry). In the last few years, TSRA has been instrumental in passing the CHL on Campus Law or “Campus Carry” and the Licensed Open Carry Law. TSRA also worked to help pass Proposition 6 on the November 2015 Ballot Proposition Election. Proposition 6 provides the protection of the Texas Constitution for hunting and fishing.
TSRA Foundation:
In 2008, the TSRA Board of Directors saw the need to establish a Foundation, known as the Texas State Rifle Association Foundation. The Foundation has taken the lead role in supporting youth shooting throughout Texas, training coaches, providing equipment grants, college scholarships, and much more.