A demonstrator holding a sign to protest Trump's visit to El Paso, Texas after the Aug 3 mass shooting in the border city on Aug 7, 2019. Trump headed to El Paso after visiting Dayton, Ohio on Aug 7 to offer a message of healing and unity, but he will be met by unusual hostility in both places by people who fault his own incendiary words as a contributing cause to the mass shootings. — AP
EL PASO, Texas: US President Donald Trump has often railed about an "invasion of illegals" at the southern border, words echoed in a screed the El Paso shooting suspect apparently posted that called the attack that killed 22 people at a Walmart his response to a "Hispanic invasion of Texas".
Some extremism experts believe that may not be an accident. They say historical data suggests a link between heated rhetoric from top political leaders and ensuing reports of hate crimes, only adding to the fears of those who could be targeted.
Already a subscriber? Log in
Subscribe now and get 30% off The Star Yearly Plan
Cancel anytime. Ad-free. Unlimited access with perks.
