AUSTIN, Texas — An investigation is underway after a gunman in Midland killed one person and injured 10 others on Friday. It marks the 23rd mass shooting reported in Texas since the beginning of the year, according to data from the Gun Violence Archive.

The Gun Violence Archive is an independent research organization which defines a mass shooting as a shooting in which four or more people shot at the same time and location, not including the shooter.

The count in Texas reached a peak in 2023, when Gun Violence Archive data shows Texas had 65 reported mass shootings. By 2025, the count had dropped to 37 mass shooting incidents in the state.

The shooting in West Texas has prompted condolences from Texas state leaders and renewed calls from advocates for more action to address gun violence.

U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz praised the response from law enforcement. “We are grateful to the law enforcement officers and first responders who moved swiftly to protect the community,” he wrote Friday.

Austin-area gubernatorial candidate and State Rep. Gina Hinojosa also credited first responders, saying their efforts “undoubtedly saved lives.”

Nicole Golden, executive director of Texas Gun Sense, an anti-gun violence advocacy group, spoke with CBS Austin on Saturday.

“Our initial reaction is always empathy for the victims and survivors and anyone affected by this horrible, traumatic tragedy.” Golden added, “ We’re, just like everybody else, waiting to hear a bit more information about the exact circumstances, but what we do know is this shouldn’t be normal.”

1 dead, 10 injured during shooting in Midland, shooter is dead

The shooting came as Texas continues to see repeated incidents of mass gun violence. In Austin, a March mass shooting at Buford’s on West Sixth Street left three victims dead and 15 others injured. In April, a shooting in East Austin left six people with injuries. In May, a cross-town shooting spree left four people injured.

Despite the recent local examples, Golden pointed to community-based efforts as one area showing promise.

“What we know is working is the growing ecosystem of community violence intervention programs that are working to stop the cycle of violence in communities that are hardest hit.” But she said more progress is needed, adding, “What we haven’t seen and we want to continue working toward is a similar reduction in gun homicides. There’s just a lot more work we need to do to bring down the numbers of gun deaths overall.”

Aust Public Health officials have also been weighing additional prevention strategies. APH shared a report with the mayor and City Council this week outlining several violence prevention recommendations focused on youth development, mental health and economic opportunity.

The City of Austin, Texas, has practically never seen the hype the Ohio State Buckeyes’ trip to DKR Stadium to fulfill the second leg of a home-and-home with the Texas Longhorns. Week 1 last year saw OSU edge out UT 14-7 in a defensive battle at the “Shoe.” On September 12, the rematch will be an early candidate for the game of the year, based on hype alone.

For the hospitality industry, it already is the game of the year. As a DFW-based Fora Travel Pro Advisor recently told me, the Buckeyes are bringing a substantial boost to Austin’s downtown area and on the Forty Acres.

“Hotel prices in Austin typically spike for major weekends, but this September 12 Texas vs. Ohio State showdown is in a league of its own compared to other preseason games. What might normally run $200–$300 per night (or even for other early-season games) can easily jump to $500–$1,200+ downtown or near campus—often with strict 2-night minimum stays. This isn’t just another preseason game; it’s a marquee #1 vs. #2 (or top-5) clash between two powerhouse programs in one of the most anticipated non-conference rematches in recent years, complete with College GameDay in town. The hype around this rematch is driving demand far beyond a typical preseason game. The atmosphere in Austin will be unforgettable, but the massive fan interest from both sides means prices reflect pure excitement,” Fora agent Hayley Mirza of Southlake told me.

Average daily room rates for hotels in Austin are up +115% compared to 2026 average nightly rates. Average bookings are being made +135 days in advance compared to the 2026 average booking lead time in Austin. Both of those stats take into account how expensive travel has become since February due to world events.

This game is a massive, expensive event for those traveling from the Buckeye State and wherever else rabid OSU fans are coming from. It’ll bring big business to local businesses. On the field, it could determine the direction these two programs’ seasons go.

Ohio State could rebound from a Texas loss. Steve Sarkisian will feel the heat if the Buckeyes win in Austin

With a new offensive play-caller in Arthur Smith and many elite departed defensive pieces, the Buckeyes are likely entering this massive non-conference game with some doubts. On the other side, the Longhorns will be coming in as a notable portal spender with one of the projected top picks in the 2027 NFL draft, Austin Manning.

There’s no doubt that the pressure is almost entirely on Texas. While Ohio State’s schedule is a meat grinder, some think the Longhorns have it even worse. If Steve Sarkisian’s squad takes an early loss before SEC play even begins, and especially if his offense doesn’t look up to snuff against a Buckeyes defense that may have lost several generational talents but still has Matt Patricia, we are going to see unprecedented meltdowns from Sark at press conferences all year. Those will undoubtedly be caused by the booster class ripping him to shreds behind the scenes.

Ohioans and Buckeye Nation from all over will be descending on Central Texas in mid-September for a game that could ultimately be far more meaningful for the Longhorns in 2026 than the Scarlet and Gray.

If Texas loses, there’s at least a massive financial boon that will have been brought to Austin for the marquee matchup.