20 Killed In El Paso Shooting Police Say Has ‘The Nexus Of A Hate Crime’ – Update
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UPDATED AT 4:32 PM PACIFIC: Twenty people were killed today in El Paso, Texas in a mass shooting at a busy shopping center, Gov. Greg Abbott (R-Texas) said in a news conference moments ago. At least 26 others were injured.
Police received the first call at 10:39 a.m. local time, Chief Greg Allen told reporters during the news conference. He went on to describe the crime scene as “horrific.”
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Most of the victims were shot at a Walmart near the Cielo Vista Mall. .
Patrick Crusius of the Dallas area was taken into custody. Police described him as a 21-year-old white male. Chief Allen said the shooting had “the nexus of a hate crime.” He noted investigators had obtained a manifesto and were trying to confirm that it was “from the individual that we arrested.”
FBI Special Agent in Charge Emmerson Buie, who joined local leaders at the press briefing, would not comment on the shooting being a possible hate crime.
“Before we can label any type of investigation, we have to ensure that the evidence and the precursors are there,” Buie said.
“El Paso is too strong to be broken by a cowardly act like this one,” added Mayor Dee Margo.
President Donald Trump posted a statement on Twitter after the shooting, saying the federal government would offer support to El Paso.
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
Presidential candidate Beto O’Rourke has issued a statement on the shooting in his hometown of El Paso, Texas.
“Truly heartbreaking. Stay safe, El Paso,” he wrote in a tweet. “Please follow all directions of emergency personnel as we continue to get more updates.”
As additional details come in about the shooting, the cable news networks said they plan extensive live coverage throughout the evening.
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