Congresswoman Escobar responds to death of Army veteran outside El Paso VA Medical Center

UPDATE - ABC-7 spoke with a veteran who was at the El Paso VA Medical Center when Rob Renz shot himself.

Joe Camacho said like everyone who went to the VA that day seeking care, Renz was told to take a number and wait. He said after some time, Mr. Renz went outside and was asking people if he could use their phone.

ABC-7 heard but did not confirm, that Renz called the suicide hotline, 988, but gave up when it took too long to speak to someone. That's when he went to his car and shot himself. He died the next day.

Camacho said he wishes the VA had some sort of protocol that helped identify and help suicidal veterans in a timely manner. We asked the VA what they're doing to address concerns about their quality of care. Here is their response:

EL PASO, Texas(KVIA) - U.S. Rep. Veronica Escobar tells ABC-7 that her office responded immediately last month, when they heard of the death of Army Veteran Rob Renz, outside the El Paso VA Medical Center. Escobar, whose district includes El Paso, expressed her condolences, adding that she doesn't have anything that she can share publicly about the investigation.

Mr. Renz was a military veteran who died on January 10 after visiting the El Paso VA Medical Center. ABC-7 was told Renz was experiencing a mental health crisis and did not get the help he needed. He died by suicide.

Renz's death sparked an outcry from many in the community, who wanted to know how something like this could have happened. ABC-7 is committed to getting those answers, and will be speaking to influential members of the community and elected officials on our ongoing series, "Be Mindful."