Five years ago, our community was forever changed. Twenty-three innocent lives were taken, and countless others still live with the pain and trauma of the horrific attack in our peaceful community.

The white supremacist who drove 10 hours to El Paso was inspired by the hateful, dangerous language parroted by far too many powerful voices in America; in fact, 165 members of this Congress have in the last year amplified the replacement conspiracy theory and invasion rhetoric. And it was far too easy for him to access the destructive assault style weapon that helped him slaughter so many.

I will continue to honor the memories of those killed and remain deeply committed to combating the dangerous rise of xenophobia and racism in our country, and the work to enact gun-violence prevention legislation.

As one of the cities with the largest foreign-born populations in the US, I know our multicultural roots and upbringing remain the foundation for the love, care, and beauty that makes up our tight-knit community. These values existed in the borderland long before August 3, 2019 and the goodwill we are committed to will continue to live on as well.