Edward James Olmos Sends ‘El Paso Strong’ a Heartfelt Message

August 3, 2019.

It's a painful day to remember, but it's one we'll never forget.

The affect the Cielo Vista Walmart mass shooting had on people was far reaching, extending past El Paso County lines and, in this case, all the way to Hollywood. Days after we marked the first anniversary, actor and activist Edward James Olmos took to social media to share a heartfelt message with our community.

“Hi, this is Edward James Olmos and I just want to say that El Paso Strong is what it’s all about,” began his minute long video message. Olmos then spoke briefly of the time he spent here with his friend and fellow actor George Lopez last August, saying “it’s the best time I’ve spent in a long, long time in Texas.”

“Bless you for being El Paso Strong,” he concludes. “You guys give us a reason to have hope.”

Last year, as the Borderland continued to struggle with the events of that day even weeks later, Olmos and Lopez flew in to visit with the survivors and their families and first responders.

The two stars visited University Medical Center where they pulled up chairs next to those injured by the shooting and listened to what they had to say for hours.

They also met with hospital staff at both UMC and Del Sol Medical Center before visiting the makeshift memorial behind the Walmart where the shooting took place. Each was also photographed at a local restaurant – Olmos at Zona Centro downtown and Lopez at L & J Café.