Dr. Ada Cuellar Statement on Austin Mass Shooting
AUSTIN, TX - Dr. Ada Cuellar issued the following statement on the mass shooting in Austin, Texas:
“My heart goes out to the victims of the horrific mass shooting in Austin this weekend and my prayers are with them and their families. As an emergency room doctor, I’m also thinking of our first responders, the police and medical personnel who responded to this mass casualty event, and praying that those injured can fully recover. While the motive has not been confirmed, the horrific attack on a beer garden is a reminder of how vulnerable our communities remain to lone wolf attacks inspired by extreme ideologies. We have to reckon with the reality that the Trump administration over the past year has abruptly revoked or frozen millions of dollars in homeland security grants that are vital to public safety and emergency preparedness, including training, equipment, and communication systems for first responders and targeted violence and terrorism prevention. That’s why Monica De La Cruz’s statement on DHS funding rings hollow. She said nothing when preparedness grants for communities were threatened and as FEMA has been gutted, but is speaking now because she will do nothing to rein in ICE. Nothing excuses acts of violence like the one in Austin, but it’s a reminder that preparedness, public safety, community policing, and federal law enforcement must not be politicized, and must be held to the highest standards.”
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