Another day, and another horrific mass shooting. This time at a Walmart in El Paso, Texas. Around 11 AM police arrived to deal with an active shooting at the Cielo Vista Mall. By 1 PM at least one person, 21–year–old, white male, Patrick Crusius, had been arrested with FBI, SWAT teams, and ATF at the scene.
“There have been fatalities. I can’t confirm how many,” SGT. Robert Gomez, El Paso Police Spokesperson told reporters, “As far as we understand at this time, we have one person in custody. We believe he is the sole shooter, but that could change. Like I said earlier, when this started, we did have reports of multiple shootings so we are sorting that out. But at this time, we only have one person in custody. But the investigation is ongoing.”
“As I was driving in, looking for a parking spot, all of a sudden I heard what sounded like really loud fireworks,” shopper Vanessa Saenz told Fox News, adding, “I saw a lady, it seems she was coming out of Walmart heading to her car, she had her groceries in her cart, and I saw her just fall.” She added, “I saw a man in a black t-shirt and cargo pants, holding what looked like a rifle, just pointing at people and shooting straight at them. I saw about three or four just fall to the ground. The last thing I saw was him walking into the Walmart nonchalant, like he was on a mission.”
It’s believed that at least 20 have been killed, ranging in ages from 35 to 82 years old. At least 11 have been hospitalized at Del Sol Medical Center, with nine being in critical condition.
There’s presently no known motive for the shooting, although there is talk of the shooter having leaked a manifesto online. This has yet to be confirmed.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott issued a statement, in part, saying, “Today, the El Paso community was struck by a heinous andsenseless act of violence. Our hearts go out to the victims of this horrific shooting and to the entire community in this time of loss. While no words can provide the solace needed for those impacted by this event, I ask that all Texans join Cecilia and me in offering our prayers for the victims and their families…”
In his statement, Governor Abbott failed to mention any plans to prevent future mass shootings.
Statement on shooting in El Paso: pic.twitter.com/hsCXYGNLGg
— Gov. Greg Abbott (@GovAbbott) August 3, 2019
Presidential candidate, and Democratic Senator from New Jersey, Cory Booker said in a tweet, “Enough. We need to end this national nightmare. Praying for everyone affected by thisunspeakable tragedy, and for our country to find the moral courage to take the action to end this carnage.” Senator Booker is one of several Democratic candidates who has proposed stricter gun control measures.
Enough. We need to end this national nightmare. Praying for everyone affected by this unspeakable tragedy, and for our country to find the moral courage to take action to end this carnage. https://t.co/vqTMSlbR8j
— Cory Booker (@CoryBooker) August 3, 2019
Former Texas representative and candidate for President, BetoO’Rourke tweeted, “El Paso is one of the strongest places in the world—and if there were ever a moment to be strong, it’s this one. Strong for one another, for the families who have lost somebody, and for the first responders…” Adding on video,“I’m at the airport here in Las Vegas, headed back to El Paso, and I want everyone in our community to know I am thinking about you. I’m with you, I’m coming back to be with you.
El Paso is one of the strongest places in the world—and if there were ever a moment to be strong, it's this one. Strong for one another, for the families who have lost somebody, and for the first responders. Please go to https://t.co/ecw9y18OSP to support our community. pic.twitter.com/FFgLPbXNIY
— Beto O'Rourke (@BetoORourke) August 3, 2019
Donald Trump in a tweet responded, “Terrible shootings in ElPaso (sic), Texas. Reports are very bad, many killed. Working with State and Local authorities, and Law Enforcement. Spoke to Governor to pledge total support of Federal Government. God be with you all!”
Terrible shootings in ElPaso, Texas. Reports are very bad, many killed. Working with State and Local authorities, and Law Enforcement. Spoke to Governor to pledge total support of Federal Government. God be with you all!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 3, 2019
To help victims of this shooting, please go to the El Paso Shooting Victims’ Fund at http://www.EPCF.org/victims