EL PASO, TEXAS – The white gunman responsible for the 2019 mass shooting at a Walmart in El Paso, Texas, which claimed the lives of 23 people, has been sentenced to 90 consecutive life sentences. Patrick Crusius, who pleaded guilty to nearly 50 federal hate crime charges, could still face further punishment, including the death penalty, in a separate trial in a Texas court.
During the sentencing hearing, Crusius, wearing a jumpsuit and shackles, remained silent and showed no reaction to the sentence. U.S. District Judge David Guaderrama recommended that Crusius serve his sentence in a maximum security prison in Colorado.
While the 90 life sentences mark a significant legal consequence for Crusius, he may still be sentenced to death in the upcoming state trial. The attack, motivated by racial hatred, ranks among the deadliest mass shootings in U.S. history.
The families of the victims had the opportunity to address Crusius during the impact statements before the sentencing. Some forgave him, while others expressed the profound grief and pain caused by the attack. Crusius’ family did not appear in court during the sentencing phase.
Crusius drove over 700 miles to El Paso and targeted Hispanic shoppers with an AK-style rifle. Prior to the attack, he posted a racist screed online, referring to a Hispanic “invasion” of Texas. The shooting highlighted concerns over anti-immigrant rhetoric and hate crimes in the United States.
Although Crusius pleaded guilty to federal hate crime charges and received 90 consecutive life sentences, Texas prosecutors intend to pursue the death penalty in the state trial, which has yet to be scheduled.
The sentencing marked an important step in holding Crusius accountable for his actions, but the impact of the attack continues to reverberate among the victims’ families and the community.