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The Harris County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) has issued a public reminder of Isaac Newton’s Law of Gravity in relation to the dangerous practice of firing celebratory gunshots to welcome the New Year. Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez and his agency have expressed their preference that no one engages in this activity when the clock strikes midnight on January 1, 2024.
As reported by Houston FOX station KRIV News, celebratory gunfire is considered a Class A Misdemeanor, punishable by penalties ranging from a $4,000 fine to a yearlong jail sentence.
Houston Chief of Police Troy Finner was quoted by Houston ABC affiliate KTRK News as saying that discharging a firearm within Houston city limits is a criminal offense. The station also reported that the most recent incident of someone sustaining an injury due to celebratory gunfire occurred on Christmas morning.
In response to these concerns, the Houston Police Department (HPD) took to Twitter to urge New Year’s revelers to avoid drinking and driving. "This New Year's Eve, NO celebration is worth endangering lives," HPD tweeted. "DO NOT shoot into the air. If you see someone committing this illegal and senseless act, call 911 and provide as much detail as possible. If you hear gunshots, call 713-884-3131. Please celebrate responsibly."