Republican congressman for Uvalde faces outrage from his party for supporting gun safety

Texas Republican representing Uvalde accused of breaking with party's values

Representative Tony Gonzales speaks during a news conference at the US Capitol in Washington. AFP

Republican Congressman Tony Gonzales, who represents the Texas town of Uvalde where a gunman killed 21 children and staff in a primary school, is reportedly facing outrage from his own party after he supported gun safety measures.

The Republican Party of Texas is convening this weekend and may discuss censuring Mr Gonzales, The San Antonio Report said.

Mr Gonzales voted to support a bipartisan gun control bill in the House last year, breaking with Republicans.

The legislation came following the Uvalde attack, in which a gunman killed 19 pupils and two teachers at Robb Elementary School.

Children return to school in Uvalde, Texas — in pictures

Pupils arrive at Uvalde Elementary for the first day of school in Uvalde, Texas. Two teachers and 19 children were killed in the May 24 mass shooting at a different school. AP

The children are not returning to the scene of the massacre. Their old school, Robb Elementary, will be demolished, the town's mayor has said. AP

'You can never ask a child to go back or teacher to go back in that school ever,' Uvalde Mayor Don McLaughlin said in June. AP

Texas Department of Public Safety officers and school personnel from Flores Elementary School greet pupils as they return after the summer break. Reuters

Some parents have opted to keep their children out of school entirely and will educate them at home. AP

A 2.4-metre-tall fence surrounds Uvalde Elementary School. AP

President Joe Biden signed a bipartisan gun control bill in July designed to keep weapons out of the hands of those deemed to be dangerous to themselves or others. AP

Personnel from Uvalde Elementary School greet pupils as they return after the summer break. Reuters

A Texas state trooper stands watch as pupils are dropped off at Uvalde Elementary for the first day of school. AP

Workers continue construction on a new fence in Uvalde, Texas. AP

The May 24 massacre was one of several mass shootings that brought about fresh calls for gun control legislation. Reuters

A teacher hugs a pupil arriving at Uvalde Elementary for the first day of school. AP

Texas Governor Greg Abbott passes in front of a memorial outside Robb Elementary School to honour the victims killed. AP

Following the school shooting, governors around the country vowed to take steps to ensure children would be kept safe. AP

Retired teachers visit a memorial honouring the school shooting victims. AP

Brownsville school superintendent Rene Gutierrez adds a banner to a makeshift memorial that honours the victims of the school shooting. AP

A 'Uvalde Strong' message is posted in front of the Uvalde County Mental Health building. AP

“As a congressman, it’s my duty to pass laws that never infringe on the constitution while protecting the lives of the innocent,” he wrote in a tweet at the time of the legislation's passing, referencing how “school was my sanctuary” from family issues as a child.

CNN reported at the time that he was one of 14 Republicans to vote for the bill.

He is also facing censure for breaking with his party on votes to support same-sex marriage and the House Republican majority's new rules package.

Voting to censure a party member does not remove them from office, nor does not prevent them from running for re-election as a member of the party.

However, censure may limit financial help from the party if Mr Gonzales were to run as a Republican again. The party could also remove restrictions on other party members from campaigning against him.