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Today, Congresswoman Veronica Escobar (TX-16) released the following statement:

“Today, we remember the 23 lives taken from us on August 3, 2019. We continue to grieve with their families and loved ones, and we honor the impact they each made in this world. 

“It is impossible to think of August 3rd without recognizing that this horrific violence did not happen in a vacuum. In the days and years before the shooting, Donald Trump so repeatedly demonized Latinos that the man who drove over 10 hours to target our community believed he was fulfilling the president’s wishes. Trump’s hateful rhetoric created fertile ground for extremists to justify violence against innocent people.

“As we remember the victims, we must continue fighting the dehumanizing rhetoric that breeds hate and violence, especially when it’s comes from those in positions of power and influence. Words matter.

“There is so much the country can learn from El Paso — our resilience, our kindness, our generosity and warmth. 

“May the memories of those lost six years ago be a call to action to pursue the highest ideals of justice, empathy, and above all, love.”