This story will serve as an update for the events, comments and other information that comes into our newsroom on Tuesday.
8/6 UPDATE 10:00 p.m.
President to visit El Paso Wednesday
White House officials confirmed that President Donald Trump would be visiting El Paso, making time for patients still in the hospital from Saturday’s mass shooting and visiting the growing makeshift memorial overlooking the shooting site.
Officials have not publicly released the time of the President’s arrival, nor his itinerary while in the city.
This will be the President’s second visit to the Sun City, the first occurring back in February when he hosted a rally at the El Paso County Coliseum.
Beto Pens First Letter to Supporters on El Paso
EL PASO, TX－Today, Beto penned his first letter to supporters since returning to El Paso. He stressed the importance of Americans showing up for this moment, saying, “We are all in this together. Unless we make it harder for people to kill, unless we stop this racism and fear, unless we stop seeing our differences as dangerous, unless we hold those in the highest positions of public trust accountable — this violence will find every one of us, sooner or later.”
The full letter follows.
I am so proud of my hometown of El Paso. Always have been.
I tell our story wherever I go. This place of immigrants, of people from all over the planet, who came here to do better for themselves and to do better for this country. I tell people about how we are one of the safest cities in the United States. Nearly 700,000 people and we’ve averaged only 18 murders a year.
And I make sure that people know that those two things are connected. It is the very presence of immigrants and asylum seekers and refugees that has made us so safe. We don’t just tolerate our differences, we embrace them. We treat each other with the dignity and respect we are owed as human beings. It is the foundation of our success and our safety.
I’ve always thought the example set by El Paso could offer a path forward for a country that is so consumed by our differences and our divisions.
Si queremos asegurar nuestro país, I often say, necesitamos seguir el ejemplo de El Paso.
But on Saturday, we realized that we can take no comfort in our safety, in our ability to see the best in each other by seeing ourselves in one another. That, as Martin Luther King Jr. said, “we are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny.”
Though El Paso is a safe community, we are part of a country that is violent. A country that has failed to adopt laws that would allow us to perform a background check on everyone who wants to own a firearm. One that still allows weapons designed for war to be sold into our communities. We lost 40,000 of our fellow Americans to gun violence last year — inexplicable but for the stranglehold that the gun lobby has on Congress and the White House, and the fear that our elected representatives have of the NRA.
And though we are a city that prides itself as a home of immigrants, we live in America at a moment that the President seeks to make us afraid of immigrants, to see them as animals and rapists and killers, a threat to our very lives. An invasion that must be stopped. An infestation that must be stamped out.
At a rally in Florida in May, President Trump asked how America could stop immigrants from coming into the country.
“Shoot them!” someone yelled back.
As the crowd roared their approval, the President smiled.
That violence, that hatred, that fear found us on Saturday. Drove more than 600 miles to a community that is 85% Mexican-American. A community of first- and second-generation immigrants. It walked into one of the busiest Walmarts in the country, full of families from El Paso and our sister city of Ciudad Juarez and killed 22 people. A 90-year old man shot dead next to the wife he’d been married to for 70 years. A 15 year old boy about to start his sophomore year in high school. Young parents, both of them murdered, as they shielded their 2-month old son.
Death and suffering. Pain and devastation. Families grieving an indescribable loss.
But this terrorist, echoing the words of Donald Trump and hosts on Fox News in his manifesto, will fail to achieve his aims of stopping America from being America. A country of immigrants, asylum seekers and refugees. A country which 243 years ago chose to define itself not along lines of race or ethnicity but instead on the principle that we are all created equal.
This hatred and violence won’t define us. The people I’ve met at University Medical Center and Del Sol Hospital, shot in the chest, in the stomach, in the back, in the leg, in the arm, in the foot, all of them meeting their pain with courage will do that. All of them recovering as they receive the care and help they need from their fellow El Pasoans. Lines around the block at blood donation centers. Vigils of thousands throughout the community, in Central El Paso, on the eastside, and over in Horizon.
Though on Saturday, El Paso bore the brunt of the hatred and violence in this country, I believe our community also holds some of the answers. Not just to our pain and challenges, but to those of the country.
Because we now know first hand that no physical distance, no set of circumstances unique to your community, can separate you from what is happening to all of us in this country. We are all in this together. Unless we make it harder for people to kill, unless we stop this racism and fear, unless we stop seeing our differences as dangerous, unless we hold those in the highest positions of public trust accountable — this violence will find everyone of us, sooner or later.
It is on all of us to stand up and be counted, especially when we feel the consequences of America at its worst, to fight for this country to be its best.
That is the spirit of El Paso, a city where everyone belongs. And the hope I have for America is that we become a country like that too.
Beto
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Morning of Remembrance at El Dorado High School
El Dorado High School
12401 Edgemere Blvd
El Paso, TX 79938
7:30 AM MT
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8/6 UPDATE 5:00 p.m.
Border Network for Human Rights, ACLU of Texas, Mexicanos en el exilio, El Paso Musicians United and Paso del Sur co-host ‘El Paso Strong’ event Wednesday 1230 to 2pm
Border Network for Human Rights, Women’s March El Paso and many other community organizations are inviting residents to join them tomorrow for #ElPasoFirme / #ElPasoStrong community action to honor those lives lost, confront President Trump and white supremacy, and demand responsible gun control.
WHAT: #ElPasoFirme / #ElPasoStrong Community Action
WHEN: TOMORROW WEDNESDAY AUGUST 7TH
WHERE: WASHINGTON PARK (4201 E. Paisano Dr)
“El Paso was targeted for the horrific shooting because we are a welcoming city that advocates for immigrant families. We were targeted for fighting against the dehumanization of our immigrant brothers and sisters, for pushing back against the criminalization of our border and for denouncing President Trump’s attempts to paint our communities as something they’re not. President Trump is not welcome in El Paso and his narrative around immigrants and Central Americans should not be welcome anywhere.”
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Local artists to hold Art Show Fundraiser Sunday
Creatives from around the borderland will be hosting an art show Sunday, August 11 at the ArtSpace Gallery, located at 601 North Oregon.
The show will run from Noon to 10 p.m. and will feature many local artists and funds collected from the art auction will be donated to the El Paso Community Foundation Victims’ fund
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Macy’s activates state-wide campaign to benefit El Paso victims
Macy’s customers and colleagues throughout the state of Texas have the opportunity to support those affected by the El Paso tragedy
Macy’s has also donated $20,000 to the Paso del Norte Community Foundation to help support immediate needs of victims and their families
Macy’s is committed to strengthening the El Paso community as they begin the recovery and healing process following the recent tragic events that took place this past weekend. From now through Tuesday, August 20, all Macy’s stores in the state of Texas will offer customers the opportunity to round-up their in-store purchase to the nearest dollar (up to $.99) to benefit the El Paso Victims Relief Fund, established by the Paso del Norte Community Foundation.
100 percent of all funds raised will benefit victims and their families affected by the recent tragedy.
Additionally, to assist the community’s immediate needs, Macy’s has donated $20,000 to Paso del Norte Community Foundation’s El Paso Victims Relief Fund. The relief fund will support paying medical bills, provide mental health counseling, offer scholarships for children and their families as well as additional victims’ needs that may evolve.
This is just the start. Macy’s will continue to work with the El Paso community to identify meaningful ways to support our neighbors and friends impacted by this tragedy.
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8/6 UPDATE 2:00 p.m.
UMC, EPCH GIVE STATUS OF PATIENTS
University Medical Center of El Paso and El Paso Children’s Hospital today provided an update on the patients treated at each hospital as a result of the mass casualty shooting at an El Paso Walmart on Aug. 3.
The following is an update regarding the 15 patients brought to University Medical Center of El Paso as a result of the mass casualty shooting:
2 children were transferred from University Medical Center to El Paso Children’s Hospital on Aug. 3 with non-life threatening injuries and discharged by El Paso Children’s Hospital Aug. 4
3 adult patients have been discharged from University Medical Center
1 adult patient was pronounced dead shortly after arrival at University Medical Center on Aug. 3
5 adult patients remain in critical condition and are receiving treatment in University Medical Center’s Intensive Care Unit
4 adult patients are in stable but serious condition at University Medical Center
Another update will be provided as appropriate or when there is a significant change in status of these patients.
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8/6 UPDATE 12:00 Noon
Papal Message to Bishop Seitz and the People of El Paso
The Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin has sent a direct message of support from the Holy Father, Pope Francis to Bishop Mark J. Seitz and the people of El Paso. The message on behalf of the Holy Father is as follows:
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United Way of El Paso County asks for support of victims’ funds following tragedy
As a means to directly support the immediate needs of victims and their families, United Way of El Paso County is asking for support of the Paso del Norte Community Foundation’s El Paso Victims Relief Fund as well as the El Paso Community Foundation’s El Paso Shooting Victims’ Fund.
“Our United Way recognizes that this horrific crime will have a lasting domino effect on our community and its residents,” said United Way President & CEO Deborah A. Zuloaga. “We want to make sure that the agencies providing these much-needed services have the resources to assist with resiliency efforts past the initial weeks following these unimaginable circumstances.”
United Way of El Paso County also announced the creation of the El Paso Community Assistance Fund focused on long-term support for the entire county. Both the Paso del Norte Community Foundation and the El Paso Community Foundation will host the option to donate to United Way’s El Paso Community Assistance Fund.
The El Paso Community Assistance Fund addresses what is expected to be a lengthy healing process for many individuals in our community. The United Way has a nearly 100-year history of supporting the needs of El Pasoans and plans to continue to use that strength to ensure access to a wide-range of services that help families process and navigate the tragedy’s aftermath. Funds are meant to rebuild the resources and capacity of local partners offering services including crisis counseling, emergency food and shelter, disaster response, and other needs as they arise. In addition, the United Way will also coordinate volunteer efforts, when needed and asked.
Funds providing immediate relief to victims & families:
Paso del Norte Community Foundation’s El Paso Victims Relief Fund
El Paso Community Foundation’s El Paso Shooting Victims’ Fund
Fund providing long-term assistance to the community:
United Way’s El Paso Community Assistance Fund
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COMMUNITY EN ACCIÓN COMBATS HATE AND CREATES A SCHOLASHIP FUND FOR CHILDREN OF FALLEN VICTIMS
We, at Community En Acción (CEA), a non-profit organization of non-partisan Latino business leaders who live and work in El Paso, offer our deepest condolences to the families of the victims of Saturday’s tragic event, and our entire beloved community that is reeling from this tremendous loss.
As a nation of immigrants, we must stand united to reject a culture and narrative of hate. At CEA, we choose to demonstrate respect for El Paso, its people, its diversity and its resilience. We will not let animosity change who we are—a vibrant, welcoming and generous community. Instead, we will continue to focus on developing a strong, proud and productive next generation of leaders by celebrating our diverse heritage and the gift it is to our city, this region and our nation.
To the children who lost parents due to this tragedy, we embrace them as our own; they are part of a broader family. We believe in them and the many contributions they will make to our society. For these reasons, Community En Acción has partnered with Paso Del Norte Community Foundation to establish a scholarship fund for the minor children of victims who lost their lives, with special emphasis on children who lost both parents by this senseless tragedy. By doing so, we choose to replace hate with love, and tragedy with triumph. We are El Paso Strong, now and always.
To make a donation to the CEA scholarship fund, please go online, or send your checks or money orders to CEA at 814 Wyoming, El Paso, Texas, 79902, with the designation, “Orphans Scholarship.”
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Tenet Healthcare Foundation Makes $100,000 Contribution in Support of El Paso Community
Tenet Healthcare Corporation, through The Tenet Healthcare Foundation, is making a $100,000 donation to the El Paso Community Foundation to provide support to victims and families in El Paso following the tragic events on August 3. With 5,300 team members in the community, Tenet operates four acute care hospitals under The Hospitals of Providence brand and over 50 outpatient centers, physician clinics and other care facilities.
Ron Rittenmeyer, Executive Chairman and CEO, said, “This devastating event has caused an inconceivable amount of pain and grief for the entire El Paso community. We salute the efforts of the El Paso Community Foundation to provide support during this time of sadness and loss. We also want to extend our gratitude to all the caregivers in El Paso, including our employees, as well as other community hospitals, first responders and local law enforcement for their efforts to care for victims and their families during this tragedy.”
The $100,000 contribution is being made on behalf of The Hospitals of Providence and Tenet’s United Surgical Partners International and Conifer Health Solutions subsidiaries, all of which have operations and employees in greater El Paso. In addition to the $100,000 donation, The Tenet Healthcare Foundation will match employee contributions to the El Paso Community Foundation up to $50,000. Both the $100,000 contribution and employee match are being directed to the El Paso Community Foundation’s Shooting Victims’ Relief Fund.
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8/6 UPDATE 10:00 a.m.
Del Sol Medical Center statement
“Following the mass shooting on Saturday in El Paso, Texas, 11 victims were transported and treated at Del Sol Medical Center. As of August 6, 2019, at 10 a.m. six patients remain in this hospital, with one in critical condition and five in stable condition.
“I continue to be inspired by the tireless dedication of all the caregivers here at Del Sol Medical Center and across El Paso.”
–David Shimp, chief executive officer of Del Sol Medical Center
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FBI: Family Assistance Center Opens at the El Paso Convention Center
The El Paso City-County Office of Emergency Management and the American Red Cross are opening a Family Assistance Center (FAC) at the El Paso Convention Center, located at 1 Civic Center Plaza, in downtown El Paso.
It will be opened from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Resources and services will be provided by public and private organizations. Parking fees will be waived for individuals visiting the FAC.
If you have a vehicle that was left at the Walmart parking lot by Cielo Vista Mall, please visit the Family Assistance Center to claim your vehicle.
In order to claim your vehicle, you must bring a set of keys, identification, proof of ownership, and insurance.
If you can not come down in person to claim your vehicle, written permission must be provided if the person that comes down to the FAC is not the registered owner.
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$100,000 check presentation for El Paso Victims Relief Fund
The Ysleta del Sur Pueblo tribe presented Mica Short, Vice President of Development for the Paso del Norte Community Foundation with a check for $100,000 to the El Paso Victims Relief Fund within the Paso del Norte Community Foundation.
Additionally, the Ysleta del Sur Pueblo will donate to the fund all revenue generated from the Clint Black concert, planned for August 15, 2019 at Speaking Rock.
Every single dollar produced from that event will be donated to the El Paso Victims Relief Fund.
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‘El Paso Legends’ Charity football match set for Sunday at SISD’s SAC
All SBFC players, families and friends- let’s get out there Sunday to support our soccer community!
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8/6 UPDATE 9:00 a.m.
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Statement from Women’s March Co-Founder Carmen Perez on Trump-Inspired Massacre in El Paso
“22 people were massacred at an El Paso Walmart this Saturday in a reprehensible act of white supremacist violence. I am haunted by the fact that I myself visited that Walmart when I was in El Paso less than a week ago, protesting the border policies of a president supported by this terrorist.
As a Chicana, and the daughter of a Mexican immigrant, I still have family just across the border from El Paso. I grieve deeply for the eight Mexican citizens who died tragically Saturday.
As a Latinx civil rights leader, I demand action. Our families are indigenous to this land, while we are targeted for violence by a President who calls us “illegal” and denies our humanity. There is a direct connection between President Trump’s rhetoric and the act of racial violence that took 22 lives in El Paso.
This President’s bigotry has incited violence, and he must be held accountable.”
-Carmen Perez, President and CEO of The Gathering for Justice, Co-Founder of the Women’s March and Latinx Civil Rights Activist.
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Sun City Motorplex has invited all area car clubs, car enthusiasts, off-roaders and all residents to an event this Friday night.
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Memorial Ride will be a 2-hour trail ride, $20 per person proceeds to benefit victims. For more information contact Horses Unlimited at (915)491-7563.
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This has been the darkest time in the history of our beloved city and now it is time to give back. SoundFuzion Entertainment will be partnering up with our brother company Catfish Karaoke Co. and will be accepting donations to benefit the families which were affected on Saturday. I chose to open my own karaoke company so that I could unite people every night through their songs so now I ask ever…
El Paso Herald-Post El Paso News & Opinion
