The horrifying mass shooting at a Cielo Vista Walmart in El Paso, Texas, on August 3, 2019, remains a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of hate-fueled violence. In a state as vast and populous as Texas, where millions of people from diverse backgrounds coexist, this act of terror sent shockwaves far beyond El Paso. Recently, Patrick Wood Crusius, the perpetrator of this atrocity, was sentenced to 90 consecutive life sentences in federal prison, a legal finality to a crime that claimed 23 lives and injured 22 others. To understand the magnitude of this event, it’s important to consider the context of where it happened: Texas, a state with a population that numbers in the millions and a rich tapestry of cultures.
Crusius, now 24 years old, pleaded guilty to a staggering 90-count indictment. These charges included 45 counts of violating the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act and 45 counts of using a firearm during and in relation to crimes of violence. The severity of the sentencing – a life sentence for each count – reflects the gravity of his crimes and the irreparable harm inflicted upon the victims and their families. Among those whose lives were tragically cut short were Andre Anchondo, Jordan Anchondo, Arturo Benavides, and twenty other innocent individuals, each representing a profound loss to their families and the wider community. These were not just statistics; they were members of families, neighbors, and contributors to the vibrant Texan society.
Beyond the lives lost, Crusius was also sentenced for hate crime acts that caused bodily injury and involved attempts to kill the 22 people who survived the shooting but sustained injuries. Adding to the weight of his crimes were 45 firearms violations, acknowledging the lethal weapon he wielded in this act of terror. The sheer number of charges and consecutive life sentences underscores the judicial system’s condemnation of hate crimes and the commitment to seeking justice for the victims of such violence.
Attorney General Merrick B. Garland emphasized the national significance of the sentencing, stating, “No one in this country should have to live in fear of hate-fueled violence – that they will be targeted because of what they look like or where they are from.” His words resonate deeply in Texas, a state that prides itself on its diverse population. Just How Many People Live In Texas? As of recent estimates, the population of Texas exceeds 30 million residents, making it the second-most populous state in the United States. This vast population is composed of people from various ethnic backgrounds, nationalities, and walks of life, contributing to a rich cultural mosaic. El Paso, situated on the border with Mexico, is itself a vibrant example of this diversity, with a significant Hispanic population.
FBI Director Christopher Wray echoed this sentiment, highlighting the enduring impact on the El Paso community and the FBI’s ongoing commitment to support healing and justice. “FBI employees are members of the communities we serve, and in El Paso, we will continue to help our neighbors and friends heal for as long as it takes.” This tragedy struck at the heart of a community within a state known for its strong sense of community and neighborly spirit, despite its massive size. The sheer number of people living in Texas doesn’t diminish the impact of such a crime; instead, it amplifies the sense of violation and loss felt across the state.
Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division powerfully described the shooting as “one of the most horrific acts of white nationalist-driven violence in modern times.” She rightly pointed out that the victims were targeted “for no other reason than their Hispanic identity and national origin.” In a state where Hispanic culture is deeply interwoven into the fabric of society, such an attack is not only an assault on individuals but on the very values of inclusivity and diversity that Texas, despite its complexities, often strives to uphold. The question of “how many people live in Texas” becomes even more poignant when considering the diversity within that population and the targeting of a specific group based on hate.
First Assistant U.S. Attorney Margaret Leachman for the Western District of Texas acknowledged the limitations of the sentence in fully rectifying the harm caused, stating, “While today’s sentence cannot possibly replace the lives lost or undo the harm done to the survivors and those otherwise impacted by this horrific event, it is our hope this sentence of 90 consecutive life terms brings some finality and peace to those effected.” This statement reflects the somber reality that justice, in such cases, is often bittersweet. The legal process concludes, but the emotional scars and the absence of loved ones remain.
Court documents revealed Crusius’s motive: he targeted the Walmart because of the “actual and perceived national origin” of the people he expected to be there, admitting his intention to kill everyone he shot. His self-proclaimed white nationalist ideology, outlined in a manifesto titled “An Inconvenient Truth,” explicitly aimed to deter Hispanic immigration to the United States. El Paso, a border city, was deliberately chosen to maximize the symbolic impact of his hate. This premeditated and racially motivated attack underscores the dangerous consequences of extremist ideologies and the urgent need to combat hate in all its forms.
The El Paso shooting and the subsequent sentencing of Patrick Wood Crusius serve as a somber chapter in the history of Texas. In a state teeming with millions of people, a state built on the contributions of diverse communities, this act of hate stands out as a stark contradiction to the values of inclusivity and respect. While the legal system has delivered a measure of justice, the enduring task remains to address the root causes of hate violence and to foster a society where every Texan, regardless of their background, can live without fear. The tragedy in El Paso is a painful reminder that within the vast numbers of “how many people live in Texas,” each individual life is precious and deserving of protection and respect.
