In TX, law abiding, non-druggie, non-felons, excluding a few other no-nos can get a CHL. With that license, one can tote a handgun concealed or openly (Long guns need no license). Maybe would not have helped this young man, but I don’t think that it would have hurt.
In Texas you don’t need a LTC to have a gun in your vehicle, you do need one to carry concealed or open.