A gunman who admitted targeting people of Mexican descent in a mass shooting at a Texas Walmart. That killed 22 people pleaded guilty Wednesday to dozens of hate crimes. Federal authorities said.
Patrick Krusius, 24, entered the plea after federal prosecutors said last month. They would not seek the death penalty in the Aug. 3, 2019, rampage in El Paso.
He pleaded guilty to 23 hate crimes resulting in death. And 22 hate crimes causing serious bodily injury. And attempted murder, the Justice Department said in a news release.
He also admitted to 45 gun felony violations, the statement said. As part of his plea agreement, he agreed to 90 consecutive life sentences. One for each count in the indictment, according to the release.
“White nationalist-fueled violence has no place. In our society today,” Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke. Of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division said in a statement. “This senseless massacre violates the law, runs counter. To our values as Americans, and defies the principles of tolerance. And inclusion that define us as a nation.” Crucias’ lawyer, Joe Spencer, said Wednesday that his client has been. “Trying to take responsibility” since the shooting and is “glad to finally do it.”
“There are no winners when he gets 90 consecutive life sentences where he will die in prison. After a life sentence and incarceration with his mental illness,” Spencer said.
In charging documents, federal authorities said the gunman posted a document online. Before the massacre that described the attack as a response to a “Hispanic attack in Texas.” In the document, he described himself as a white nationalist and said he was targeting El Paso. , a border city, to prevent immigrants from entering the United States. According to a Wednesday news release.
Charging documents say he bought the gun used in the shooting less than two months. Before the shooting — a rifle described by state authorities as an AK-47.
According to documents, the gunman bought 1,000 rounds of ammunition. And drove from a relative’s home in Allen, about 650 miles east of El Paso.
