Texas officials testify to lawmakers about mass violence
AUSTIN, Texas (AP) - State officials are testifying before a Texas legislative committee that's evaluating issues related to mass violence.
The Senate Select Committee on Mass Violence Prevention and Community Safety is meeting Wednesday in Texas' capital of Austin. The committee meeting comes after August began and ended with two mass shootings in Texas. The issues the panel is evaluating include the role of digital media and video games.
Department of Public Safety Director Steve McCraw says law enforcement is concerned about racism and extremists' use of technology to recruit people.
A shooting on Aug. 3 in the border city of El Paso left 22 people dead. Authorities say the gunman told officers he targeted Mexicans.
On Aug. 31, a gunman killed seven people while driving in the area of Odessa and Midland, firing randomly.
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