Governor Abbott says ‘mistakes were made’ with Aug. 2 fundraising letter

Texas Governor Gregg Abbott is back in the Borderland to talk safety measures with law enforcement officials, as well as with survivors of the August 3rd shooting.

You can watch a recap of the governors closing remarks below.

You can watch a recap of the opening remarks below.

Governor Abbott arrived late to the meeting due to airplane issues.

Upon arriving, he met with members of the El Paso state congressional delegation. He was flanked by his wife First Lady Cecilia Abbott and Lt. Governor, Dan Patrick. Abbott made opening remarks for the media on this, his second trip to the Borderland as part of the governor’s Texas Safety Commission meeting.

The first meeting was held days after the tragic August 3rd shooting, which claimed the lives of 22 people, leaving 26 injured. One of the injured, Christopher Grant, was in the meeting hoping to talk to ask the governor questions, chief among them, the governor’s stand on gun control. “First and foremost, we must find strategies that provide real relief and real healing to those that have been victimized by this crime.” Said, Governor Abbott.

Abbott also addressed the issue of gun safety laws saying the commission must work to keep guns away from the hands of deranged killers, like the man who opened fire on the victims in El Paso. But, he added, they must also insure 2nd amendment rights. “But we also must understand, the core of what happened here in El Paso, and that was racist hate.” added the governor, making reference to the shooter’s hate-filled anti-immigrant manifesto, which appeared online minutes before the shooting at the Cielo Vista Walmart.

Governor Abbott was asked about a campaign letter in which he asks for urgent donations so Texans can fight illegal immigration. That letter was reportedly dated August 2nd , one day before the El Paso massacre. While Abbott’s aides were escorting the media out of the meeting room, reporters were told no questions would be asked. However, Governor Abbott chose to respond. “Mistakes were made and course-correction has been made in that I emphasized the importance that rhetoric will not be used in any dangerous way.” said the governor.

KVIA 2019