Just a few miles from The Pinkerton Law Firm, PLLC office, gun shouts broke out this morning around 6:30 am near the intersection of Weslayan and Law Street. Many nearby awoke to the sound of gunshots, followed by sirens helicopters responding to the incident. According to reports, a lone gunman fired randomly at a strip center and helpless victims in the parking lot and driving on the streets nearby. So far, three victims have been transported to Southwest Memorial Hospital, one has been taken to Ben Taub General Hospital and two have been transported to Memorial Hermann – Texas Medical Center. The lone gunman was found dead at the scene.
As the story has continued to develop, it has been reported that the lone gunman was a local lawyer. While there have not been any reports yet to shed light on the motive behind this gruesome act of violence, one issue remains clear: anyone who could carry out such an act of random violence likely suffers from mental health issues. When incidents like this happen, the talking heads are quick to question gun control, race or religious motives, or possibly terrorism. However, an individual that makes a decision to carry out violence on this level clearly is suffering from mental health issues, and addressing this issue is the key to preventing these acts of violence.
The Pinkerton Law Firm would simply like to ask those who may have a friend, colleague, or loved one that suffers from mental health issues and is becoming increasingly detached and withdrawn from society due to mental health issues, please reach out to this person and offer help. If you don’t feel comfortable or safe offering help, simply give this person the numbers for local crisis centers, such as Crisis Intervention of Houston: 713-468-5463; MHMRA Crisis Helpline: 713-970-7000 or 1-866-970-4770; MHMRA Mobile Crisis Outreach Team: 713-970-7520; and HPD Mental Health Unit: 713-970-4664. Our hearts and prayers go out to those who have been affected by this tragedy.
