LULAC Demands Gov. Abbott Call Special Session To Change Gun Laws

Nation’s Oldest & Largest Civil Rights Organization Makes Call for Unity and Action to Curtail the Sale of Firearms; Announces Unity Against Hate March

El Paso, TX – Today, members of the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) visited El Paso and spoke out against yesterday’s shooting, which is being called a domestic terrorist attack against Latinos. In an effort to unite the country and support the community, LULAC National President Domingo Garcia traveled to the city, calling for resolve and action to curtail the sale of firearms and urging President Trump to alter his xenophobic rhetoric and policies.

“We are shocked and saddened by this senseless and brutal attack of domestic terrorism,” said Domingo Garcia, LULAC National President. “Adhering to a belief that Hispanics were invading Texas, the shooter drove 10 hours to target innocent men, women and children shopping for school supplies. That inspiration came from the White House, who has promoted a xenophobic rhetoric that is motivating people who are not mentally stable to commit these types of hideous crimes. The blood that was spilled through this deadly attack lies in the hands of President Trump and the Administration.”

Garcia continued: “We are here today to unite El Paso, Texas and the United States against bigotry and hate, and against making Latinos political piñatas in a political game. We demand that Gov. Abbott call for a special session around gun violence. While we appreciate the prayers and kind words, they will no longer suffice. It’s time that we hold our leadership accountable until they take swift action to curtail the sale of firearms. They have the power to enact change and they have the power to keep Americans safe.”

LULAC’s call for a Special Session in the Texas Legislature to curb gun violence is in addition to an immediate convening of a FBI Special Task Force for Hate Crime Domestic Terrorism in the United States.

LULAC is also announcing a Unity Against Hate March and press conference with civil rights and religious leaders on Saturday, August 10 at 9am MT, from the port of entry on the US-Mexico border at the Paso del Norte Bridge also known as the “Santa Fe Street Bridge” (1000 S. El Paso St.) to the Federal Courthouse (525 Magoffin Ave.). More details and lineup to come.

LULAC has established a GoFundMe campaign to help victims of the El Paso shootings. All of the funds raised will go to help with medical bills and funeral expenses. The GoFundMe page can be viewed here.

About LULAC
The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) is the nation’s largest and oldest civil rights volunteer-based organization that empowers Hispanic Americans and builds strong Latino communities. Headquartered in Washington, DC, with 1,000 councils around the United States and Puerto Rico, LULAC’s programs, services and advocacy address the most important issues for Latinos, meeting critical needs of today and the future. For more information, visit https://lulac.org/