Police have arrested a 21-year-old man suspected of being behind the shooting in El Paso, Texas, which claimed at least 20 lives. The man has been identified as Patrick Crusius, court documents show. According to police, he has released what they call a manifesto - a document that underpins the police's investigation into hate crimes may have been behind the shooting.
"We have a manifesto from this person that to some extent indicates that it could be a potential hate crime," said El Paso Police Chief Greg Allen according to AP.
Wrote about the climate crisis
In the document, the suspected perpetrator gives a basic description of racist motives, in which he justifies the shooting based on the idea that the climate crisis requires the US to be depopulated.
The 21-year-old also blames the Democratic Party for wrongdoing which he believes led to the United States he does not want. He also points out that he had his views for a long time, "before Trump's presidential campaign" to avoid the president or his supporters being "blamed" for the shooting.
Inspired by previous manifesto
The document was published on an internet forum that is known for its non-restrictive stance. There you can write almost anything you want without the risk of being moderated.
In the document he writes that he was inspired by the Christchurch deed, and the manifesto that the perpetrator Brenton Tarrant wrote before the deed.
The 21-year-old was arrested during a police operation in the mall in connection with the shooting.