A San Antonio man injured by celebratory gunfire last New Year’s Eve is urging others to celebrate responsibly as the city rings in 2026.
SAN ANTONIO — As the city prepares to ring in 2026, officials are urging residents to celebrate responsibly and avoid celebratory gunfire, warning that a single gunshot can turn a joyful moment into a tragedy.
“What goes up must come down,” police say, reminding the public that bullets fired into the air eventually fall, often with devastating consequences.
Jorge Valdez Meza knows that danger firsthand.
Last New Year’s Eve, Valdez Meza was sitting outside his West Side home watching fireworks when he suddenly felt a burning sensation in his arm. At first, he thought debris or a firework had struck him. Moments later, he realized he had been shot in the elbow.
Valdez Meza was taken to the hospital and says it took six months for his injury to heal. Police were never able to identify the person who fired the weapon.
“I’m not sure the person that did it had the intention or even knows about it to this day,” Valdez Meza said. “That’s the scary part, someone is out there living a normal life, not knowing how their actions from a year ago are still impacting me and my family.”
Because of that experience, Valdez Meza says he feels more anxious heading into New Year’s Eve this year. Instead of attending San Antonio’s official fireworks celebration at the Tower of the Americas, he chose to spend the holiday out of the country with his family, away from any risk of violence.
He hopes others will think twice before pulling a trigger to celebrate.
If you witness celebratory gunfire, you are urged to call the San Antonio Police Department non-emergency line at (210) 207-7273.
For those looking to celebrate safely, city leaders encourage attending organized events like Celebrate SA, which offers fireworks, live entertainment, and family-friendly activities without the danger.