Washington, Aug 15 (IANS): A domestic terrorism task force was formed in the US state of Texas following the El Paso shooting that claimed 22 lives, aimed at combating hate crime and extremism.
According to a news release from the Office of the Texas Governor Greg Abbott on Wednesday, the task force will analyze and provide advice on strategies to maximize law enforcement's ability to protect against acts of domestic terrorism.
The Governor directed the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) to take immediate action to combat any form of domestic terrorism in Texas, including monitoring domestic terrorism and other mass casualty threats.
"Our top priority is to keep Texans safe in their communities," said Abbott.
"Part of that mission is to combat domestic terrorism and root out the extremist ideologies that fuel hatred and violence in our state. This task force brings together leaders with the expertise Texas needs to develop effective strategies and combat domestic terrorism."
The attack in the border city of El Paso, Texas, took place on August 3 at a Walmart mall.
A total of 22 people, including eight Mexican nationals, were killed in the shooting spree. The mass shooting is being investigated as a case of "domestic terrorism".
A 21-year-old white male has been arrested, who confessed to officers that he had been targeting Mexicans.