UPDATED: Authorities Treating Texas Mall Shooting As Domestic Terrorism
The weighted hate-crime charges could carry the death penalty
August 5th
United States Authorities treating the deadly El Paso, Texas shooting as a domestic terrorism case.
The weighted hate-crime charges against the suspected gunman could carry the death penalty.
A local prosecutor announced that he would file capital murder charges, declaring that the alleged assailant had “lost the right to be among us.”
The attack Saturday was followed less than a day later by another shooting that claimed nine lives in a nightlife district of Dayton.
August 4th
At least 20 people are dead, dozens more injured after a mass shooting at a shopping mall in Texas.
A male suspect is in custody.
Adair and I, with the rest of El Paso will pray for our victims and honor their memories together. Our community will not be defined by this senseless act of violence. #ElPasoStrong #MayorMargo https://t.co/S0Lh6fonIv
— Mayor Dee Margo (@mayor_margo) August 4, 2019
Police responded to reports Saturday of the gunfire at a Walmart near Cielo Vista Mall in El Paso.
Now in the beautiful city of El Paso.
— Greg Abbott (@GregAbbott_TX) August 3, 2019
Texans grieve today for the people of this wonderful place.
We unite in support of all the victims.
We thank First Responders for their swift action.
We ask God to bind up the wounds of all who’ve been harmed. pic.twitter.com/2l8jDPHbe1
In a tweet, El Paso police confirmed an “active shooter” and urged people to avoid the area.
Active Shooter in area of Hawkins and Gateway East. Scene is still active avoid the area. RG limited information.
— EL PASO POLICE DEPT (@EPPOLICE) August 3, 2019
Witness Rey Holgin told CBS News that he was about to go into the Walmart when he heard at least 10 gunshots.
He said he thought he saw at least two people with guns.
Holgin told CBS News that he saw at least one person, an elderly lady, fall to the ground, but he’s not sure if she was shot.
15+ shots, And I swear I saw an older lady drop to the floor🤢😢. Check on your family
— IG: wreckemray (@GeeRayAllDay_1) August 3, 2019
Walmart released a statement, saying it was working with law enforcement and “praying for the victims, the community & our associates, as well as the first responders.”
….Melania and I send our heartfelt thoughts and prayers to the great people of Texas.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 4, 2019
Our hearts go out to the families of those killed and injured in El Paso today. We stand with all El Pasoans in the face of this senseless violence, and thank the brave @eppolice officers & first responders. I stand ready to help @ElPasoTXGov and @Mayor_Margo any way I can.
— Senator John Cornyn (@JohnCornyn) August 3, 2019
My heart is with everyone in El Paso struck by this unspeakable evil. Heidi & I are praying for the victims & their families & are grateful for the first responders, local authorities & law enforcement working tirelessly to bring the perpetrator of this depraved act to justice.
— Senator Ted Cruz (@SenTedCruz) August 3, 2019
Horrible news from El Paso today. Canadians are grieving with our American neighbours and friends for the lives that were senselessly taken, and wishing all those injured a speedy recovery.
— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) August 3, 2019
banner image via Walmart security video