In response to the persistent and perilous tradition of celebratory gunfire during holidays, San Antonio officials have intensified efforts to curb this illegal practice through the “Call the Shots” public awareness campaign. Launched in late June 2024, the initiative aims to educate residents about the dangers of firing guns into the air and to encourage the reporting of such incidents to law enforcement.
The campaign’s urgency was underscored by alarming statistics: on Independence Day 2024, the San Antonio Police Department (SAPD) received 287 reports of celebratory gunfire, a significant spike compared to the city’s average of 79 such calls per day. Similarly, on New Year’s Day 2024, there were 338 reports, highlighting the recurring nature of this hazardous behavior during festive periods.
Councilmembers Teri Castillo (District 5) and Marina Alderete Gavito (District 7), whose districts have been notably affected, spearheaded the campaign. They emphasized that celebratory gunfire is not only illegal but poses severe risks to public safety. “Celebratory gunfire isn’t just illegal—it’s incredibly dangerous,” Castillo stated. Gavito added, “The ‘Call the Shots’ campaign is about public safety—empowering our residents to speak up, protect their neighborhoods, and prevent tragedy.”
The campaign also sheds light on the broader impact of stray bullets. In Houston, a 32-year-old woman was shot in the leg by celebratory gunfire on New Year’s Day 2025, and a 12-year-old girl was injured on Christmas Eve 2024. Tragically, an 11-year-old girl in Corpus Christi lost her life to a stray bullet on New Year’s Eve 2023. These incidents underscore the lethal potential of bullets fired into the air, which can descend with deadly force, causing injury or death even at significant distances.
To combat this issue, the “Call the Shots” campaign employs bilingual messaging, community meetings, and social media outreach to raise awareness. Residents are urged to report instances of celebratory gunfire by calling SAPD’s non-emergency line at 210-207-7273. The campaign’s goal is to foster a culture of accountability and safety, ensuring that celebrations do not turn into tragedies.
The initiative has garnered support from other city officials, including Councilmembers Melissa Cabello Havrda (District 6), John Courage (District 9), and Marc Whyte (District 10), who have provided supporting signatures on the Council Consideration Request to initiate the campaign. Their collective efforts reflect a citywide commitment to addressing the dangers of celebratory gunfire and promoting safer community practices.
As San Antonio continues to confront the challenges posed by celebratory gunfire, the “Call the Shots” campaign represents a proactive step toward safeguarding residents and fostering a sense of communal responsibility. By emphasizing education, reporting, and enforcement, city officials hope to reduce the incidence of this dangerous practice and ensure that holidays are celebrated without fear of unintended harm.
