Four Years Since Deadly Walmart Attack, Victims Continue to Be Impacted
For Immediate Release: August 3, 2023
“Before the attack, August 3rd was a day of celebration and love. Now it is a day filled with grief and anxiety.”
EL PASO, TEXAS – On August 3, 2019, a gunman killed 23 people and wounded 22 at a Walmart in El Paso. He drove more than 650 miles from Allen, a suburb in North Texas. His racist manifesto described the attack as a “response to the Hispanic invasion of Texas.”
Four years later, individuals impacted by this terrorist attack continue to live in fear, and do not have access to the resources, or protection, they need to heal. This is particularly damaging for immigrants and undocumented persons here in the borderlands.
Ana, community member and victim of the El Paso Walmart Shooting, shared the following statement:
“I will never forget the face of my son Eduardito as he dragged me out of the Walmart that day. Before the attack, August 3rd was a day of celebration and love, as it is my husband's birthday. Now it is a day filled with grief and anxiety.While I have tried to heal from this horrific attack against people like me and my children, the trauma may remain for the rest of our lives. Our community should not have a target on their backs simply for existing. I urge community leaders and elected officials to help families like mine gain peace and stability.”
Christina Garcia, Deputy Director, Las Americas Immigrant Advocacy Center in El Paso Texas and Ciudad Juárez, shared the following statement:
“Four years ago, El Pasoans experienced one of the deadliest attacks against the immigrant community. Despite how much time has passed, more must be done to bring justice to individuals, like Ana, whose lives were forever altered by this terrorist attack. It is our commitment to always honor the memories of the 23 victims, and to care for those directly impacted, and their loved ones. Our organization has submitted over 50 U visa applications for survivors and family members of the deceased. Only one has been approved. Our clients are mothers and fathers who have bills to pay today; they have to drive their children to school; and wait up to five years for help that would allow them to support their families - that's cruel.
“We urge the federal government to help ensure that those harmed by this terrorist attack can seek safety in our country. This includes Congress removing the statutory cap on U visas and doing more to get applicants deferred action and work permits. For Black and Brown communities, hate and anti-immigrant rhetoric have devastating effects. We also call on members of Congress to refrain from echoing the same dangerous rhetoric as the white nationalist mass shooter. Never forget.”