San Antonio Express-News (Sunday)
Leaders speak out in wake of massacre
Texas leaders responded with rage, grief and calls for action after a mass shooting at an El Paso mall Saturday, in which the gunman reportedly was motivated by a “Hispanic invasion” and by the anti-immigrant extremist accused in mass shootings in March at a pair of New Zealand mosques.
U.S. Rep. Will Hurd, RSan Antonio, said via social media: “My heart is heavy for the victims of today’s shooting, their loved ones and the El Paso community. Grateful for the efforts of our first responders.”
Gov. Greg Abbott — who has been criticized for failing to tighten gun laws — stayed focused on immediate matters, lauding first responders and asking the public to heed warnings from local officials and stay safe.
In the afternoon, Abbott traveled to El Paso to decry what he called a “heinous and senseless act of violence.”
“Our hearts go out to the victims of this horrific shooting and to the entire community in this time of loss,” the governor said.
“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.”
“The state of Texas will do everything it can to ensure justice is delivered to the perpetrators of this heinous act.”
Democratic presidential hopeful and former San Antonio Mayor Julián Castro didn’t shy away from the issue of guns.
“My heart is with the people of El Paso today as they cope with a devastating mass shooting — the scope of which we are still learning,” he said via Twitter. “This attack is a tragic reminder of our government’s failure to do its most basic duty: to protect American lives. We need gun reform now.”
Castro’s twin, U.S. Rep. Joaquin Castro, released a statement saying he was deeply shocked and saddened by the carnage.
“Innocent Americans lost their lives to hate,” he said. “This vile act of terrorism against Hispanic Americans was inspired by divisive racial rhetoric and enabled by weapons of war. The language in the shooter’s manifesto is consistent with President (Donald) Trump’s description of Hispanic immigrants as ‘invaders.’ Today’s shooting is a stark reminder of the dangers of such rhetoric.”
Mayor Ron Nirenberg offered help via social media: “San Antonio stands by ready to assist our brothers and sisters in El Paso. We are with you.”
District 1 Councilman Roberto Treviño offered words of comfort online: “Sending love from San Antonio to our friends in El Paso. Healing must be proceeded by action.”
Bexar County Sheriff Javier Salazar wrote that “El Paso weighs heavily on our hearts and minds. Dozens of families are mourning and affected. We know first responders and medical staff are working hard to save lives, provide comfort, and process the scene. Here in Bexar County, we are always working hard to make sure our deputies and the public are prepared for a horrible event such as this. We are here for our residents, and we are here for our family in El Paso.”
The sheriff urged people to donate blood today from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at one of two locations:
South Texas Blood & Tissue Center - Donor Pavilion, 6211 Interstate 10 West.
South Texas Blood & Tissue Center - North East Donor Room, 8500 Village Drive, Suite No. 102.
District 6 Councilwoman Melissa Cabello Havrda said: “Tonight, San Antonio and the nation grieves with you. My family and I pray for the victims and offer our profound appreciation for first responders and other medical professionals who saved lives today. Your beautiful community will continue to be #ElPasoStrong.
Sens. Ted Cruz and John Cornyn voiced similar sentiments.
“Our hearts go out to the families of those killed and injured in El Paso today,” Cornyn tweeted. “We stand with all El Pasoans in the face of this senseless violence.”
“My heart is with everyone in El Paso struck by this unspeakable evil,” Cruz said in a statement. “Heidi and I are praying for the victims and their families and grateful for the first responders, local authorities, and law enforcement officers working tirelessly to bring the perpetrator of this depraved act to justice and keep the entire community safe. There are millions of people in Texas and across the country standing behind you.”
Some delivered messages of grief along with pointed attacks at the Trump administration.
State Rep. Gene Wu, D-Houston, said: “We will fight harder against racists and White Supremacists who target our communities. We will hold Trump accountable for enabling these terrorists.”