5:13 p.m. ET, August 6, 2019
Family of El Paso shooter: He was influenced by beliefs that "we do not accept or condone"
The family of the man who authorities say killed 22 people in El Paso, Texas, are speaking out.
Patrick Crusius' family said in a statement they have been focused on the "countless families and friends of those affected by this atrocity." They went on to say that their son's actions were influenced in ways they didn't know or condone.
"Patrick's actions were apparently influenced and informed by people we do not know, and from ideas and beliefs that we do not accept or condone, in any way. He was raised in a family that taught love, kindness, respect, and tolerance — rejecting all forms of racism, prejudice, hatred, and violence. There will never be a moment for the rest of our lives when we will forget each and every victim of this senseless tragedy," the statement said.
The family's statement also praised law enforcement and first responders who came to the scene.
"The selflessness and devotion to total strangers in the face of indescribable suffering is something that we deeply respect and admire," the statement said.
Some background: Police said the suspected shooter had a ''stone cold look'' when he surrendered. He has been charged with capital murder in the mass shooting that left 22 people dead and more than two dozen wounded, according to court records and is being held without bond.