On the fifth anniversary of the El Paso shooting, DNC Chair Jaime Harrison issued the following statement. 

“Today marks five years since the El Paso community lost 23 loving souls in an attack motivated by hatred and xenophobia. The El Paso mass shooting was the deadliest attack on Latinos in modern American history. We continue to grieve with the same intensity we did that dreadful Saturday morning, and every anniversary is a sobering reminder of the significance of this tragedy fueled by racism.

“As we remember the children, grandparents, educators, and veterans who were tragically taken from us, we must urge lawmakers to take action and pass common sense gun control legislation. Thoughts and prayers are not enough. Only action will prevent guns from landing in the hands of those fueled by bigotry and hatred. Extreme MAGA Republicans — led by Donald Trump — are stoking the flames of hatred and fear in our country. It is long past time to put an end to the gun violence epidemic and President Biden and Vice President Harris are leading the charge. They passed the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act — the most significant expansion of background check requirements in decades — and they’re working every day to build on that progress.

“The strength and resilience of El Pasoans are reminders that hate will not divide us. President Biden, Vice President Harris, and Democrats aren’t just offering their prayers, they’re offering real policy solutions. Come November, Americans will know who is fighting for their futures versus those who fight for the NRA. Americans will choose the candidates that put their safety and the safety of their families and communities first: Vice President Kamala Harris and Democrats up and down the ballot.”