Cardinal Daniel DiNardo, Archbishop of Galveston-Houston, and President of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) issued the following statement September 1, 2019, in response to the tragic shootings in Midland and Odessa, Texas. A gunman killed seven and wounded another 22.
The full statement follows:
“As we travel to Sunday Mass, we do so with heavy hearts. Just a few short hours ago, less than a month after the horrific instances of gun violence in California, Texas, and Ohio, yet further terrible shootings took place, this time involving random targeting of victims on roads and highways. There are reports of at least 5 fatalities, and numerous critical injuries. Once again, these horrific onslaughts demonstrate unequivocally the undeniable existence of evil in our society. I am deeply saddened to witness yet again scenes of violence and contempt for human life being repeated in our Nation’s streets. With renewed resolve, I call on all people of goodwill, starting with our Catholic leaders and faithful, to work tirelessly to root out the causes of such crimes. As people of faith, we must continue to pray for all the victims, and for healing in all these shattered communities that now extend across the length and breadth of our land.”
