We 11 a.m., local time, last Saturday, 21-year-old Patrick Crusius opened fire inside and outside a shopping mall in El Paso, Texas, near the Mexican border. 22 people lost their lives and 26 people were injured. The man was arrested shortly thereafter. According to the arrest warrant, he himself must have appeared and said "I am the shooter," the AP writes.

Against Mexicans

After the arrest, the perpetrator has now told the police that the shooting was aimed at Mexicans. He also told me he drove from Allen outside Dallas to El Paso - a ten-hour drive, reports the AP.

Police have previously said they believe the act is a hate crime. Just before the offense, the suspected perpetrator posted a document on the internet containing racist statements. The crime is treated by the police as "domestic terrorism" - a crime that can lead to the death penalty.

Trump was met by criticism in El Paso

On Wednesday, US President Donald Trump visited both El Paso and Dayton in Ohio, both hit by mass shootings last weekend. Trump visited the two places with his wife Melania Trump to show their support. In El Paso, he was met by criticism from both Democratic politicians and El Paso residents.

On location in El Paso, he visited the hospital to meet injured victims and their relatives. He also met with the police and emergency services to thank for their efforts.