With the alleged cause to “prevent gun violence and save lives,” the Democratic National Committee sent out an email to their supporters in order to fundraise off the horrifying mass shootings in El Paso, Texas, and Dayton, Ohio.
The email encouraged donors to “split” a donation starting at $10 “between my organization… Giffords PAC, and the Democratic National Committee today.” It was signed by former Rep. Gabby Giffords and was sent out on Aug. 5.
“Friend—Over the weekend in El Paso, a young man with hate in his heart and a weapon of war in his hands walked into a Walmart and massacred at least 20 people,” the email reads. “We can’t afford to wait another day, or for another massacre to happen in our country, for lawmakers to address this. Yet the defenders of the status quo—the gun manufacturing lobby and every single politician who is paid to defend it—will tell you that horrific acts of violence are beyond our control,” reported Fox News.
Giffords added, “If Congress—specifically Mitch McConnell and Republicans in the United States Senate—fail to take action, then we must act to replace them. Because until we act, shootings like these threaten to take even more lives and tear apart even more communities.”
Regarding the email, DNC Communications Director Xochitl Hinojosa said, “Our goal is to end gun violence once and for all. The way to do that is by helping organizations like the Giffords PAC and by electing Democrats up and down the ticket who will work day in and day out to pass the reforms we need to protect our families and our children. That’s the only way to ensure change,” reported Fox.
2020 Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Kamala Harris, (D-Calif.) also sent out a fundraising email in reference to the shootings, “no more thoughts and prayers. We need action,” Harris’s email said. “If you’re with me, split a contribution to Giffords, the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence, and Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America.”
Conservative media and commentators found fault with Harris’s email, prompting Ian Sams, her campaign spokesman to fire back.
“This is disgusting. The rightwing disinformation machine is in full Attack Kamala mode. She is fundraising FOR GUN VIOLENCE PREVENTION GROUPS. [Expletive] straight she is going to help fund the fight against gun violence in the wake of these horrific mass shootings,” Sams wrote on Twitter.
Grandfather Dies Shielding Family Member During El Paso Massacre
According to KVIA in El Paso, some of the victims were identified as David Johnson, 63; Javier Amir Rodriguez, of Horizon City; Arturo Benavides, 60, of El Paso; Leo Campos, of Pharr-San Juan-Alamo; Jordan Anchondo, 24, and Andre Anchondo, 23, of El Paso; Jessica Coca Garcia and Memo Garcia, of Salina, Kansas; Maribel Latin of El Paso; and a number of Mexican nationals.
A family member of David Johnson issued a statement to KVIA: “My uncle worked long hours during the week, so he made it a point to dedicate the weekends to his family. My aunt stated that while checking out they heard gun shots.”
The person explained that “my uncle Dave then directed her and my little cousin to get down and if anything happened to him; to run to Sams. The next thing she knew he was on the ground covered in blood.”
AP reports Jordan Anchondo, 25, is one of the victims of the #ElPaso mass shooting. The mother of 3 was killed shielding her 2-month-old son who suffered broken bones. They were shopping for school supplies, according to her sister. @KABBFOX29 @News4SA pic.twitter.com/5j11YuD4YE
— Joe Galli (@JoeGalliNews) August 4, 2019
The aunt heard the shooter walk past her as she played dead and shielded “my little cousin,” the statement said.
“When she felt clear of danger she looked up and found my uncle nonresponsive. She then grabbed his cell phone and ran toward Sams,” the person said, adding, “My uncle was the kindest and most giving individual I’ve ever known.”
Javier Amir Rodriguez was slated to attend the tenth grade at Horizon High School, said an official.
” We are deeply saddened to learn of the loss of one of our students, Javier Amir Rodriguez, who formerly attended Horizon HS. Our heartfelt condolences and prayers are with his parents and family,” Clint Independent School District told the news outlet.
Arturo Benavides, a 60-year old Army veteran and bus driver was among the victims in the El Paso mass shooting, his niece Jacklin Luna tells CNN.
Benavides loved to tell stories of his army days as a staff sergeant and life with family pic.twitter.com/mkyt5Y7pHF
— Dianne Gallagher (@DianneG) August 5, 2019
The Epoch Times reporter Jack Phillips contributed to this report.
