Celebrate the Heart of Country, Americana, and Roots Music!

Drop Us A Line, Y'all

Y'all interested in advertising, partnering up, contributing stories, joining our team, or just got a question? Well, don't be shy, drop us a line!

Follow Us

A Heartbreaking Tragedy: Mass Shooting in El Paso, Texas

by
  • Arden is a Senior Country Music Journalist for Country Thang Daily, specializing in classic hits and contemporary chart-toppers.
  • Prior to joining Country Thang Daily, Arden wrote for Billboard and People magazine, covering country music legends and emerging artists.
  • Arden holds a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from the University of Tennessee, with a minor in Music Studies.

Another mass shooting at Walmart has devastated the city of El Paso, Texas that left 20 dead. It is now being investigated as a case of domestic terrorism, according to officials.

Devastation in El Paso

A 21-year-old white man was arrested at the scene of the attack in El Paso, Texas. It is believed to have posted an online manifesto, calling the attack as a response to “the Hispanic invasion of Texas.”

mass shooting, shooting, texas, gunman, el paso
via John Minchillo/AP/CNN

Of the 20 killed, six were Mexican nationals. Officials from two local hospitals said that they received at least 24 of the victims. The ages and genders of the people injured and killed are in numerous age groups.

Authorities have not publicly identified the shooter, but multiple sources have identified the 21-year-old as Patrick Crusius of Allen, Texas. He has been charged with capital murder, and he could be facing the death penalty.

mass shooting, shooting, texas, gunman, el paso
Patrick Crusius via El Paso Police Department/CNN

Crusius’ grandparents have released a statement on Sunday that was read to reporters by a family spokesman who did not want to be named.

“We are devastated by the events of El Paso and pray for the victims of this tragedy. Patrick Crusius is our grandson. He lived with us in our house in Allen, Texas while he attended junior college at Collin County College. He moved out six weeks ago and spent a few nights here while we were out of town. His driver’s license and mailing address were at our house in Allen — that connection has made us the focus of media,” the spokesman said, reading from the statement. “We are talking only to law enforcement agencies and will not be making further statements to the media. We request the media to honor our privacy.”

This Mass Shooting is a Case of Domestic Terrorism

In a recent conference, US Attorney John Bash has said that the Justice Department is “seriously considering” bringing federal hate crime and federal firearm charges, hence the possibility of the gunman receiving the death penalty.

“We’re going to do what we do to terrorists in this country, which is to deliver swift and certain justice.”

Authorities are in the process of investigating the racist, anti-immigrant document that was posted after 10:30 AM local time, 20 minutes before the mass shooting occurred. The manifesto was posted on the online message board 8chan is a 2,300-word document that laid out a twisted version of America overrun by Hispanic immigrants.

mass shooting, shooting, texas, gunman, el paso
People embrace during a vigil for victims of the shooting Saturday, Aug. 3, 2019, in El Paso, Texas. (AP Photo/John Locher)

El Paso County has an estimated population of 840,000 people as of mid-2018, according to the US Census Bureau. An estimated 83% were Hispanic or Latino.

This is a developing story. For more updates regarding this news, you can follow us at our official Facebook page.

Latest Stories

Craig Morgan playfully roasts Blake Shelton, joking that he 'don’t work hard anymore,' proving their friendship thrives on good-natured jabs.

Craig Morgan Playfully Roasts Blake Shelton, ‘He Don’t Work Hard Anymore’

Craig Morgan and Blake Shelton have been friends for years, but that doesn’t mean Morgan will take it easy on his buddy—especially when there’s a good roast. While promoting his ...

Baylee Littrell stuns American Idol with his country voice, proving he's more than just the son of Backstreet Boys’ Brian Littrell.

Backstreet Boys Son Baylee Littrell Stuns American Idol With His Country Voice

When Baylee Littrell stepped onto the American Idol stage, most of the judges had no idea who he was. But that changed fast. Performing an original song, “Waiting on Myself ...

Dolly Parton wrote I Will Always Love You as a heartfelt goodbye to Porter Wagoner—the real meaning behind one of music’s most iconic songs.

The Story Behind Dolly Parton’s I Will Always Love You And Its True Meaning

Few songs in music history have carried as much emotional weight as Dolly Parton’s “I Will Always Love You.” It’s the kind of song that lingers, weaving itself into the ...

HARDY and Caleigh Ryan welcome their baby girl, Rosie Ryan Hardy, born on March 7, stealing hearts with her sweet arrival.

Hardy And Caleigh Ryan’s Baby Girl Rosie Ryan Has Arrived And She Is Stealing Hearts

HARDY might be known for his gritty country-rock anthems and rowdy lyrics, but his newest role hits a little closer to the heart—Dad. The singer-songwriter and his wife, Caleigh Ryan, ...

Zach Top’s lawnmower cover of George Jones’ Finally Friday is pure country gold, proving real country music is alive and thriving.

Zach Top Covers George Jones on a Lawnmower and It’s Pure Country Gold

Zach Top is bringing real country music back, and he’s doing it in the most down-home way possible—kicked back on an old riding lawnmower, strumming his guitar, and sipping a ...

Carrie Underwood skipped a country song for her American Idol audition to impress Simon Cowell, who wasn’t a fan of the genre.

Why Carrie Underwood Didn’t Sing a Country Song for Her American Idol Audition

Carrie Underwood is as country as sweet tea and a front porch swing. Raised in Checotah, Oklahoma, she grew up singing in church, performing at local events, and listening to ...

Kellie Pickler pushes back in a heated legal battle with her late husband’s parents, fighting claims over estate property in an escalating court dispute.

Kellie Pickler Fights Back Against In-Laws in Heated Legal Battle

The legal battle between Kellie Pickler and her late husband’s parents, Sharon and Reed Jacobs, is only getting more intense. In the latest development, Pickler has filed an emergency motion ...

Dolly Parton stays in her modest $400K home, cherishing the love and memories of her late husband, Carl Dean, over luxury and extravagance.

The Story Behind Dolly Parton’s Modest $400k Home And Why She Stays

Dolly Parton is one of the most successful and beloved country artists of all time, with a fortune that could buy her the most extravagant mansion money can offer. And ...

Randy Travis’ life story comes to the big screen with Forever and Ever, Amen, a biopic capturing his legacy, struggles, and triumphs

Randy Travis’ Life Story Comes To The Big Screen With Forever And Ever, Amen

Few voices in country music have been as instantly recognizable—or as deeply influential—as Randy Travis’. From his groundbreaking debut in the 1980s to his inspiring fight for recovery after a ...

Dolly Parton’s If You Hadn’t Been There is a heartfelt tribute to her late husband, Carl Dean, capturing love, loss, and gratitude in song.

The Meaning Behind Dolly Parton’s New Song “If You Hadn’t Been There”

There’s something about Dolly Parton’s voice—singing or speaking—that feels like home. But her songwriting? That’s where she truly weaves magic, turning raw emotion into melodies that feel like they were ...

Leave a Comment

For security, use of Google's reCAPTCHA service is required which is subject to the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.