Abbott Sparks Outrage Over Migrant Shooting Remarks

In a recent interview with far-right talk show host Dana Loesch, Texas Governor Greg Abbott sparked backlash for suggesting that the state refrains from shooting migrants crossing the border unauthorized due to concerns about potential murder charges from the Biden administration.

“Because of course the Biden Administration will charge us with murder,” Abbott said.

The remarks, initially made last week, gained wider attention when a clip from the conversation was recirculated on social media by a progressive radio station based in Chicago.

During the interview, Abbott highlighted the state’s efforts to curb illegal migration, including deploying various tools and strategies, such as placing barriers in the Rio Grande River and enacting a law criminalizing unauthorized entry into Texas from another country. However, he emphasized that the state draws the line at using lethal force, fearing legal consequences from the federal government.

KUT News reported that the Governor’s office has not yet responded to requests for clarification on Abbott’s comments.

Abbott has been a vocal critic of the Biden administration’s handling of border and immigration issues, despite the administration’s assertion that enforcing immigration law is a federal responsibility.

Texas Democratic Party Chair Gilberto Hinojosa condemned Abbott’s remarks, stating that they reflect a lack of morality and humanity among Republicans. Hinojosa asserted that the fear of murder charges is the only thing preventing Abbott from ordering law enforcement to shoot migrants, including women and children.

“The only thing stopping Greg Abbott from ordering law enforcement to shoot migrant women and children are murder charges,” Hinojosa said.