Texas and US Leaders React to Deadly El Paso Shooting

Leaders from across Texas and around the nation have reacted to news of a mass shooting at a Walmart near a mall in El Paso Saturday that left 20 dead and a suspect in custody.

More than a dozen people were dead and more than two dozen injured after a shooting at a Walmart and the Cielo Vista Mall.

Law enforcement sources told NBC that police have identified the suspect in custody as Patrick Wood Crusius, a resident of the Dallas area, who turned 21 last week.

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, President Donald Trump, Vice President Mike Pence, state and U.S. congressman, as well as El Paso Mayor Dee Margo and other Texas mayors posted reactions on social media Saturday.

Democratic Presidential Candidates React to Deadly Shooting in El Paso

Here's what they had to say:

Gov. Greg Abbott

Now in the beautiful city of El Paso.

Texans grieve today for the people of this wonderful place.

We unite in support of all the victims.

We thank First Responders for their swift action.

We ask God to bind up the wounds of all who’ve been harmed. pic.twitter.com/2l8jDPHbe1
— Greg Abbott (@GregAbbott_TX) August 3, 2019

President Donald Trump

Terrible shootings in ElPaso, Texas. Reports are very bad, many killed. Working with State and Local authorities, and Law Enforcement. Spoke to Governor to pledge total support of Federal Government. God be with you all!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 3, 2019

Vice President Mike Pence

Saddened by the loss of so many innocent lives in El Paso, TX. Our prayers are with the victims, their families, and the entire community. Grateful for the courageous efforts and swift action by federal law enforcement and local first responders.
— Vice President Mike Pence (@VP) August 3, 2019

Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick

Our hearts go out to the people of @ElPasoTXGov and the families and friends of those lost or injured in the horrible shooting. Please join Jan and I as we continue to pray for the city of El Paso, the victims and our first responders. #txlege
— Office of the Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick (@LtGovTX) August 3, 2019

U.S. Attorney General William P. Barr released this statement:

"The Justice Department joins in mourning with the people of El Paso, Texas. Those who commit such atrocities should be held accountable swiftly and to the fullest extent the law allows."

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Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton released the following statement:

"As tragic news comes from El Paso, my office stands ready to give full support to all federal, state and local law enforcement who are on the scene now and to those who will be conducting the ongoing investigation. Our deepest sympathies and prayers extend to all the people of El Paso, especially those who have been directly impacted by this tragedy."

Sen. John Cornyn

Our hearts go out to the families of those killed and injured in El Paso today. We stand with all El Pasoans in the face of this senseless violence, and thank the brave @eppolice officers & first responders. I stand ready to help @ElPasoTXGov and @Mayor_Margo any way I can.
— Senator John Cornyn (@JohnCornyn) August 3, 2019

Rep. Veronica Escobar

Today, El Paso is facing the indescribable pain and horror that too many other American communities have had to endure. Our hearts are completely broken by this needless loss of life, especially here in our beautiful home.

We mourn for the victims and everyone involved.
— Rep. Veronica Escobar (@RepEscobar) August 3, 2019

Rep. Will Hurd

My heart is heavy for the victims of today’s shooting, their loved ones and the El Paso community. Grateful for the efforts of our first responders. As we wait to learn more, please stay safe, avoid the Cielo Vista area and follow @EPPOLICE for updates.
— Rep. Will Hurd (@HurdOnTheHill) August 3, 2019

Texas State Sen. Jose Rodriguez

I am committed to providing any necessary support and resources though my office in the hours and days ahead as our community heals from this horrific incident. My thanks to the many law enforcement agencies and other first responders for their hard work during this chaotic time.
— Sen. José Rodríguez (@JoseforTexas) August 3, 2019

El Paso Mayor Dee Margo (and his wife Adair)

Adair and I are devastated by the tragic events unfolding in our City. Our hearts go out to the victims and gratitude to our first responders. We will continue to keep you updated. pic.twitter.com/AKzgwtVWgs
— Mayor Dee Margo (@mayor_margo) August 3, 2019

Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner released the following statement:

"I have reached out to the mayor to let him know that Houston is standing with El Paso. If there's anything they need, we will assist. We offer our prayers and condolences but much more is required. Doing nothing is not solving the problem."

Fort Worth Mayor Betsy Price

My heart breaks for the victims & families devastated by today’s tragedy in El Paso. We are sending love, light & prayers to the entire community during this time of mourning. I’ve communicated with @mayor_margo to express condolences & extend Fort Worth’s support. #PrayForElPaso
— Betsy Price (@MayorBetsyPrice) August 3, 2019

Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson

The @CityOfDallas stands with @ElPasoTXGov in the wake of today’s horrible tragedy. Our collective thoughts and prayers go out to the families and friends of those whose lives were lost and to those who were injured. Gun violence is a public policy problem we can solve. So let’s.
— Mayor Eric Johnson (@Johnson4Dallas) August 3, 2019

Beto O'Rourke, who is from El Paso and other Democrats running for president had strong reactions to the shooting in El Paso and many took a stance on gun violence CLICK HERE to see their social media posts.