Texas officials are expressing concern and calling for answers after a recent mass shooting in an El Paso, Texas shopping mall. One person was killed and three people were wounded in the shooting.
The El Paso native, Texas Representative Veronica Escobar (D), kept the local residents updated. “I am staying in close contact with local officials who are dealing with a shooting in the same area where 23 lives were taken by a mass shooting 3 years ago. No community deserves multiple incidents of gun violence,” stated Rep. Escobar.
I am staying in close contact with local officials who are dealing with a shooting in the same area where 23 lives were taken by a mass shooting 3 years ago.
No community deserves multiple incidents of gun violence.
— Rep. Veronica Escobar (@RepEscobar) February 16, 2023
The mass shooting takes place after the massacre in the same city in which 23 people were killed. The 2018 shooting was the result of a racist attack targeting Hispanic people. Moreover, the most recent shooting occurred across the parking lot from the previous attack.
“Today’s shooting at the Cielo Vista Mall has brought back traumatic memories for many of us. Please know you are not alone. Call El Paso’s crisis help line at 915-779-1800; there is help for you 24 hours, 7 days a week.”
Today’s shooting at the Cielo Vista Mall has brought back traumatic memories for many of us. Please know you are not alone.
Call El Paso’s crisis help line at 915-779-1800; there is help for you 24 hours, 7 days a week.
— Rep. Veronica Escobar (@RepEscobar) February 16, 2023
“It is a tragedy and stain on our country that Americans don’t feel safe anywhere because our nation is awash in guns," stated the Texas lawmaker.
It is a tragedy and stain on our country that Americans don’t feel safe anywhere because our nation is awash in guns.
My statement below on last night’s shooting at Cielo Vista Mall 👇🏽https://t.co/aAuLwtXaqG
— Rep. Veronica Escobar (@RepEscobar) February 16, 2023
Texas Governor Greg Abbott (R) made sure to reach out to local officials, offering the services of multiple Texas government agencies. “I spoke to Mayor Leeser about the shooting tonight in El Paso. l offered the full support of the State of Texas, including the assistance of the Texas Department of Public Safety and Texas Division of Emergency Management to help the city of El Paso respond to this tragic event,” stated the governor.
I spoke to Mayor Leeser about the shooting tonight in El Paso. l offered the full support of the State of Texas, including the assistance of the Texas Department of Public Safety and Texas Division of Emergency Management to help the city of El Paso respond to this tragic event.
— Greg Abbott (@GregAbbott_TX) February 16, 2023
The governor’s statements were met with a mixed reception. Texas Representative Joaquin Castro (D) responded bluntly, saying, “How many Texans have to die or get shot before you do something to keep dangerous weapons out of the hands of dangerous people, Governor? Your “full support” is worthless.”
How many Texans have to die or get shot before you do something to keep dangerous weapons out of the hands of dangerous people, Governor?
Your “full support” is worthless. https://t.co/ZvvW8l91xJ
— Joaquin Castro (@JoaquinCastrotx) February 16, 2023
As of now, the intentions of the shooters are unknown. However, the call to end gun violence persists regardless of the motive.
