Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has come under fire for his controversial description of the victims in the recent mass shooting in Cleveland, Texas. Abbott offered a $50,000 reward for information about the fugitive, 38-year-old Francisco Oropesa, who allegedly gunned down five people Friday.
The governor referred to the victims, all from Honduras, as illegal immigrants in a tweet, a term widely seen as dehumanizing. Abbott’s office later issued a statement acknowledging that at least one of the victims may have been in the U.S. legally and expressed regret if the information was incorrect.
I’ve announced a $50K reward for info on the criminal who killed 5 illegal immigrants Friday. Also directed #OperationLoneStar to be on the lookout.
— Greg Abbott (@GregAbbott_TX) April 30, 2023
I continue working with state & local officials to ensure all available resources are deployed to respond. pic.twitter.com/SpkUgKqKGe
Critics, including “Star Trek” actor George Takei and celebrity chef José Andrés, have condemned Abbott’s comments, calling them despicable and urging him to show empathy.
Texas State Senator Roland Gutierrez described Abbott’s remarks as a new low.
A new low for @GregAbbott_TX, who continues to do nothing to keep #Texas safe from #GunViolence.
— Senator Roland Gutierrez (@RolandForTexas) May 1, 2023
Greg, how was an undocumented person able to obtain an AR-15 in the first place? I’ll tell you why. It’s because you and other Republicans have made safe gun laws nonexistent.
I… https://t.co/Quv17VatBf
Click play to listen to the report from AURN White House Correspondent Ebony McMorris. For more news, follow @E_N_McMorris & @aurnonline.
