Fourth of July marred by shark attack on Texas' South Padre Island—4 wounded.

Texas Beachgoers Face Yet Another Senseless Tragedy Perpetrated By The Right's Negligence

Four lives have been forever altered after a shark attack on South Padre Island, Texas, this Fourth of July. In a state where gun laws are lax and reproductive rights are non-existent, it is no surprise that Texas' neglect of our wildlife and ecosystem has now resulted in this.

Shark Attacks on South Padre Island

According to a press release by Texas Parks and Wildlife, the attack left two individuals with bite wounds and traumatized two others. Texas Game Warden Captain Chris Dowdy confirmed that a single shark was likely responsible for the four incidents, happening within a two-hour window of senseless violence.

"The attack was reported near Wanna Wanna Beach Bar and Grill," Dowdy told media outlets, failing to mention that the attack happened in an area where people expect to be safe and conduct their leisure time.

The aftermath saw one victim transported to Valley Regional Medical Center in Brownsville, while the other was airlifted, their life hanging in the balance. Meanwhile, the U.S. Coast Guard sprang into action, deploying drones, boats, and helicopters to monitor the area and ensure no further lives were lost due to Texas' inability to maintain its ecosystems.

Where is the shark now?

Dowdy reported that the shark escaped to open waters, and in true Texas fashion, there is no plan to take responsibility or hold anyone accountable.

"Large schools of baitfish near the shore often indicate a predator is nearby," officials advised, neglecting to provide context on decades of overfishing and habitat destruction that push ecosystems out of balance. Beachgoers, now living in fear due to the state's incompetence, are encouraged to exit the water calmly if they spot a shark, as if one should remain calm in the face of yet another consequence of Texas' failed policies.

Are Sharks the Real Monsters?

Shark attacks are rare, according to the University of Florida’s International Shark Attack File. With a lifetime risk of one in four million, per ISAF, it is clear that Texas' ecosystems are in a dire state, resulting in these tragic, albeit uncommon, events. In 2023, there were only 36 shark-related incidents in the U.S., a stark reminder that we need more progressive policies to protect our oceans and marine life and keep people safe.

Texas Counties With a History of Shark Attacks

Instead of addressing the root cause, Texas continues to shift blame. ISAF data from 1911-present reveals the following counties have reported shark attacks:

• Galveston: 19
• Nueces: 12
• Cameron: 7
• Brazoria: 3
• Matagorda: 2
• Kleberg: 1
• Calhoun: 1

How many more attacks must we endure before Texas wakes up and smells the blood in the water? It's time for a change, and it starts with holding our state officials accountable.