20 Killed In El Paso Shooting Police Say Has ‘The Nexus Of A Hate Crime’ – Update

Bruce Haring and Anita Bennett
20 Killed In El Paso Shooting Police Say Has ‘The Nexus Of A Hate Crime’ – Update

Click here to read the full article.

UPDATED AT 4:32 PM PACIFIC: Twenty people were killed today in El Paso, Texas in a mass shooting at a busy shopping center, Gov. Greg Abbott (R-Texas) said in a news conference moments ago. At least 26 others were injured.

Police received the first call at 10:39 a.m. local time, Chief Greg Allen told reporters during the news conference. He went on to describe the crime scene as “horrific.”

More from Deadline

Most of the victims were shot at a Walmart near the Cielo Vista Mall. .

Patrick Crusius of the Dallas area was taken into custody. Police described him as a 21-year-old white male. Chief Allen said the shooting had “the nexus of a hate crime.” He noted investigators had obtained a manifesto and were trying to confirm that it was “from the individual that we arrested.”

FBI Special Agent in Charge Emmerson Buie, who joined local leaders at the press briefing, would not comment on the shooting being a possible hate crime.

“Before we can label any type of investigation, we have to ensure that the evidence and the precursors are there,” Buie said.

“El Paso is too strong to be broken by a cowardly act like this one,” added Mayor Dee Margo.

President Donald Trump posted a statement on Twitter after the shooting, saying the federal government would offer support to El Paso.

Presidential candidate Beto O’Rourke has issued a statement on the shooting in his hometown of El Paso, Texas.

“Truly heartbreaking. Stay safe, El Paso,” he wrote in a tweet. “Please follow all directions of emergency personnel as we continue to get more updates.”

As additional details come in about the shooting, the cable news networks said they plan extensive live coverage throughout the evening.

Sign up for Deadline's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.