Texas Still Failing on Gun Violence as Hate-Fueled Attacks Target Latinx Community

By Luevanos

On August 3, 2019, a hateful, racist gunman took the lives of 23 people in El Paso, Texas. This tragedy wasn't an isolated incident, but a direct result of the toxic mix of anti-immigrant rhetoric and lax gun laws that have plagued our state and country.

Texas: A Breeding Ground for Gun Violence

In Texas, we've witnessed an alarming trend of inaction and dangerous policies that put our communities at risk. Despite the devastating shootings in Uvalde, El Paso, Odessa, Santa Fe, and Sutherland Springs, our state lawmakers have consistently failed to address the gun violence epidemic.

During the last legislative session, they ignored common-sense policies such as raising the age to purchase semi-automatic rifles to 21, choosing instead to arm teachers and put our children in harm's way. It's a disgrace.

Governor Abbott has blood on his hands. His failure to take meaningful action on gun safety, coupled with his vile anti-immigrant rhetoric, has fueled this crisis. He suggested shooting migrants crossing the border illegally, mirroring the very hate that brought the El Paso shooter to our community. Yet, shamefully, he continues to target and vilify us.

A National Crisis Fueled by Toxic Rhetoric

Texas isn't alone in this battle. Across the country, we've seen the deadly impact of harmful rhetoric and policies. In Arizona, lawmakers attempted to pass a bill that would have encouraged racist, vigilante violence against immigrants. Thankfully, this bill was vetoed.

At the national level, President Trump has proudly done nothing about gun violence. He has the audacity to tell survivors to "get over it" while pushing a racist agenda of mass deportation and blaming immigrants for his failures. His words add fuel to the fire of hate that is consuming our communities.

Fear Will Not Win

The El Paso shooting haunts us daily, a constant reminder of the gun violence that pervades our schools, supermarkets, and movie theaters. But we will not be silenced.

I, alongside my fellow Moms Demand Action volunteers, will continue to raise our voices against these injustices. We will call out the hate and demand action for gun safety.

It's time for our state leaders to spread hope, not hate. We won't rest until our communities are safe and the joy returns.

EnoughIsEnough #GunSafetyNow #NoMoreSilence #HopeOverHate

Luevanos is a leader with Moms Demand Action in Texas, fighting for gun safety and secure storage of firearms. A resident of El Paso, she bears witness to the daily struggle against gun violence and hate.