An inquest has heard that a 23-year-old British graduate was shot dead by her father in his Texas home, hours after they argued about US politics, including Donald Trump.
Lucy Harrison, from Warrington in Cheshire, died on 10 January 2025 while visiting her father in Prosper, Texas. She had been preparing to return to the UK with her boyfriend later that day.
The inquest heard that Harrison was taken by her father into a downstairs bedroom shortly before 3pm. Within seconds, a gunshot was heard. She was later found collapsed on the floor with a fatal wound to her chest.
Her boyfriend told the hearing that the pair had argued earlier that morning about Donald Trump, leaving Harrison upset. However, he said the family later spent time together and there were no signs of immediate tension.
Evidence showed that Harrison had been strongly opposed to firearms and had previously expressed concerns about her father owning a gun, particularly because young children lived in the house. Friends and family said she had also worried about his alcohol use and volatility.
The inquest was told that her father had a history of alcoholism and had previously suffered a serious seizure linked to drinking. It was also heard that he had lied to police in Texas about his alcohol problems.
A police investigation in the United States concluded that Harrison died from a gunshot fired by another person. A grand jury later decided that no criminal charges would be brought, a decision her mother described as “baffling” and “beyond comprehension”.
Witnesses said Harrison’s father had previously spoken about handling his gun without clear training and had kept it in a cabinet in the bedroom. Questions remain over whether he knew the weapon was loaded.
Harrison’s mother told the court that her daughter had never been comfortable with a gun in the house and had last spoken to her just minutes before the shooting, when she said she was packed and ready to leave.
Lawyers representing Harrison’s father unsuccessfully applied for the coroner to step aside, alleging bias. The coroner rejected the application, stating there was no evidence to support the claim.
An autopsy confirmed Harrison died from a single gunshot wound and had no alcohol or drugs in her system at the time of her death.
Harrison had graduated with a first-class degree from Manchester Metropolitan University and was working in the fashion industry. Her family said she had hoped to campaign against gun violence in the US.
The inquest is continuing.