SAN ANTONIO — Congressman Joaquin Castro (TX-20), Chairman of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, released the following statement on the shooting in El Paso, Texas and reports linking the shooter to an anti-immigrant manifesto:

“I am deeply shocked and saddened by today’s mass shooting in El Paso. Innocent Americans lost their lives to hate. This vile act of terrorism against Hispanic Americans was inspired by divisive racial and ethnic 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.

“Hispanic Americans and immigrants have been directly and violently attacked. This crime was intentional violence to strike fear in our communities, for our lives, and for our families. In the aftermath, I’ve heard troubling reports of victims of the shooting refusing to seek help because of their immigration status. If you need medical attention or help finding a loved one, do so immediately. There are community groups ready to assist you.

“My heart is with the community of El Paso, the victims and their loved ones, and Congresswoman Veronica Escobar who represents El Paso. Please know that you are not alone - your community, your country, and the Hispanic Caucus will support you through this tragedy. In Congress, we will continue fighting to get these weapons of war out of our communities and off our streets. Not one more life should be lost to this senseless violence.”

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The Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC), founded in December 1976, is organized as a Congressional Member organization, governed under the Rules of the U.S. House of Representatives. The CHC is dedicated to voicing and advancing, through the legislative process, issues affecting Hispanics in the United States, Puerto Rico and U.S. Territories.