Congresswoman Veronica Escobar of Texas’s 16th district issued a statement on August 3, 2025, marking the sixth anniversary of the mass shooting in El Paso that claimed 23 lives. In her message, Escobar emphasized remembrance and ongoing support for the victims’ families.
“Today, we remember the 23 lives taken from us on August 3, 2019. We continue to grieve with their families and loved ones, and we honor the impact they each made in this world,” Escobar said.
She addressed the broader context surrounding the attack, referencing political rhetoric preceding the event. “It is impossible to think of August 3rd without recognizing that this horrific violence did not happen in a vacuum. In the days and years before the shooting, Donald Trump so repeatedly demonized Latinos that the man who drove over 10 hours to target our community believed he was fulfilling the president’s wishes. Trump’s hateful rhetoric created fertile ground for extremists to justify violence against innocent people.”
Escobar called for continued opposition to language that can incite hatred or violence. “As we remember the victims, we must continue fighting the dehumanizing rhetoric that breeds hate and violence, especially when it’s comes from those in positions of power and influence. Words matter.”
She also highlighted positive qualities demonstrated by El Paso following the tragedy. “There is so much the country can learn from El Paso — our resilience, our kindness, our generosity and warmth.”
Escobar concluded by urging action inspired by those lost in 2019: “May the memories of those lost six years ago be a call to action to pursue the highest ideals of justice, empathy, and above all, love.”
Veronica Escobar has served as U.S. Representative since winning her first election in 2018 against Rick Seeberger with about 68.5% of votes compared to Seeberger’s 27%. She has since been re-elected three times: defeating Irene Armendariz-Jackson in both 2020 (with roughly 64.7% of votes), again in 2022 (about 63.5%), and most recently in 2024 (with approximately 59.5%).
