Familia,

I’m going to keep this short because my city needs help and no words really feel adequate for the emotions I’m feeling this week.

El Paso is my hometown. It’s where I grew up, where my family lives, where I’ve lived for the majority of my life. It’s a safe place -- one of the safest cities in the country. We are a loving community that celebrates our heritage in the way we speak, and the way we eat, and the way we live every day.

But on Saturday, the things I love most about my people made us targets. Someone motivated by hate drove 650 miles to my hometown to kill “as many Mexicans as possible” and to save Texas from a “Hispanic invasion.”

The shooter ended 22 lives in 6 minutes and left our community permanently heartbroken and forever changed.

The El Paso I know is resilient. We will remember who we are, and we will remain El Paso strong. We will not let the hatred and evil that is white supremacy win.

But my city needs your help right now, and here are two things you can do to help:

• You can donate to the victims' fund here.
• And if you’re in Texas and able to, you can make an appointment to give blood here or call 877-258-4825.

En solidaridad,

Oscar

Oscar Silva
Executive Director
Battleground Texas