I was required to learn and study the Texas Penal Code when I worked for the PD there.
It is against the law to shoot or kill anyone. Period.
But there are these little things in the penal code called "Defense to Prosecution." They are essentially lists of reasons why, even though someone breaks the law, the DA may choose not to prosecute. For instance one of them is a police officer in the line of duty.
Another is protecting your property or that of your neighbors (in Texas).
Frankly I can't believe it even made it to the grand jury. If the guy wouldn't have called 911 the DA probably wouldn't have even taken it that far. But once the actual act became public record...well DA's are funny that way.
I am with you though because I don't think everyone in the state of Tx is racist.
Just to play devils advocate though. Say everyone in the state of Tx was racist, or lets just say they picked a racist grand jury...12 white people who hate black people simply on color alone....and it turns out the shooter was toying with the thieves, taunting them with the gun.
Would you feel the same then?
Under Texas law right now as its written, the guy could sing Mary Had a Little Lamb while he did it because once they broke into his neighbor's house, then cut through his yard, he was defend-able to prosecution.
Seems to me like the congresswoman may want to get the penal code changed instead of involving the entire country.
But I doubt she will get Texans to agree not to shoot to kill to protect their property, or that of a neighbor.