The AR-15-style rifle used in the Texas school shooting is a semi-automatic weapon that fires a high-velocity round that can cause devastating injuries. The bullets from this type of rifle can travel at speeds of up to 3,200 feet per second, and they can penetrate the human body with ease. This can result in massive blood loss, organ damage, and even death.

In addition to the direct damage that they can cause, assault-style rifles can also create a great deal of psychological trauma. The sound of gunfire and the sight of blood can be extremely distressing, and these experiences can stay with people for the rest of their lives.

The combination of physical and psychological trauma can make it very difficult for victims of mass shootings to recover. Some may never be able to return to their normal lives, and many will suffer from long-term mental health problems, including post-traumatic stress disorder.

It is important to remember that assault-style rifles are not designed for self-defense. They are designed for one thing: to kill people. There is no reason why these weapons should be available to civilians.

In the aftermath of the Texas school shooting, we need to have a serious conversation about gun control. We need to take action to prevent these senseless tragedies from happening again.