Haaland Travels to El Paso In Light of Domestic Terrorism Tragedy
Statement
Wednesday, Congresswoman Deb Haaland traveled to El Paso to stand in solidarity against bigotry and hate and demand common-sense solutions to gun violence. The trip comes after an active shooter took 22 lives at a Walmart in an act of domestic terrorism fueled by white supremacy.
"These heinous acts of domestic terrorism have shaken our communities at their core, but El Paso has shown that we are resilient and strong," said Congresswoman Deb Haaland. "We cannot keep reliving this nightmare. No one should have to live it. We're calling on Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell to bring the Senate back in session and vote on the bills to address gun violence that House passed in February."
During her trip, Congresswoman Haaland attended the Border Action Network's community action event to condemn hate and demand action on gun violence. She then went to the memorial at the Walmart that was attacked last weekend to meet with those mourning the loss of their community members.
"My friend Congresswoman Veronica Escobar is doing a great job fighting for her community. Our families are in fear, and this administration is responsible for the hate-filled rhetoric that emboldens white supremacists to attack communities of color," said Congresswoman Deb Haaland. "I want our families to know that no matter what rhetoric comes out of this Administration, I am with them and will stand up to protect them."
This week Congresswoman Deb Haaland signed two letters, one that called on House and Senate leadership to take immediate action to address the rising threat posed by white supremacist terrorism; and the other demanding Senate Majority Mitch McConnell immediately call the Senate back into session to pass H.R. 8, the Bipartisan Background Checks Act, and H.R. 1112, the Enhanced Background Checks Act. Both these bipartisan bills were passed by the House in February of this year and have been blocked for a vote by McConnell for more than 160 days.
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