(Houston, TX) - Harris County District Attorney Sean Teare is releasing new data showing the breakdown of how firearms were used in more than 3,000 violent crimes across the Houston metro area.

According to the Harris County District Attorney’s Office (HCDAO), in 2025, guns were involved in 3,452 aggravated charges in the county. Additionally, prosecutors filed 5,325 charges related specifically to weapons that same year. In 2024, guns were used in the commission of 3,870 aggravated charges and weapons charges were filed 5,980 times. This represents a 10.8% reduction in aggravated crimes involving guns and an 11.0% reduction in weapons charges, respectively. However, the number of charges still remain higher compared to pre-pandemic levels.

According to Texas Gun Sense, more than 4,500 Texans are shot and killed each year. Additionally, more than 4 out of 5 women killed by an intimate partner in Texas are killed with a gun.

The release of new data comes as Teare announced that he has formally joined “Prosecutors Against Gun Violence,” a national organization dedicated to ending gun violence by supporting background checks, safe storage, investments in mental health, and limiting access to guns by perpetrators of domestic violence. The group is co-chaired by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin L. Bragg, Jr., and Columbus City Attorney Zach Klein, and brings together prosecutors to advance commonsense policies, legislation, and practices to help prevent and confront gun violence in their jurisdictions.

“Gun violence is a public health and safety crisis. It destroys lives and tears communities apart—and it can be stopped,” said Teare. “Children shouldn’t grow up afraid of the next mass shooter, families shouldn’t be planning funerals instead of graduations, police officers shouldn’t wonder if their next traffic stop could end in a gun battle. We must take meaningful action to support common sense solutions that work. Every person, every leader, every institution in Harris County must treat this like the emergency it is.”

“I am proud to welcome Harris County District Attorney Sean Teare to our coalition of prosecutors,” said PAGV Co-Chair Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg.  “D.A. Teare has a longstanding record of public service and a proven commitment to protecting survivors and combatting gun violence, including through targeted prosecutions, safe storage initiatives and partnering with community groups to advocate for commonsense gun laws. With his support, the coalition is stronger, and we will continue leading the fight against gun violence.”

“When I talk with prosecutors and law enforcement across the country, they’re fed up with gun violence and the carnage it causes to families, neighborhoods, and entire communities. It’s going to take all of us to solve this problem, and I’m excited to welcome Harris County DA Sean Teare to PAGV as we work together to find effective strategies to end the violence and keep our kids and communities safe,” said PAGV Co-Chair Columbus City Attorney Zach Klein.

"We are so encouraged to see the Harris County DA's office collaborating to address the gun violence crisis - the number one cause of death for children," said Nicole Golden, Executive Director of Texas Gun Sense. "Gun violence is a multifaceted issue that requires action at all levels of government. We know there are lifesaving solutions to prevent gun deaths that are working at the local level, and we call on our State and Federal government to step up and support these initiatives through comprehensive gun policy reform and investments in violence prevention. Texas families deserve a safer future, and the time to act is now."

Teare urged residents who want to support survivors, honor victims, and advance policies that promote responsible gun ownership and safer communities to get involved with organizations working to prevent gun violence in Texas. These groups include Moms Demand Action, Everytown for Gun Safety, and Texas Gun Sense who provide opportunities for Texans to advocate for common-sense gun safety measures, support affected families, and help build a future where fewer lives are lost to preventable acts of violence.