After nearly nine-months in intensive care, Guillermo “Memo” Garcia passed away today (4.28.2020) from serious injuries incurred when he was shot on August 3, 2019, in the deadliest anti-Latino attack in modern history. Memo Garcia was a beloved soccer coach in the El Paso community and had been outside of the Cielo Vista Walmart store in El Paso, Texas helping with a fundraiser for his daughter’s soccer team when he was attacked. Today he became the 23rd and latest victim of the tragedy and LULAC honors his memory.
Domingo Garcia, National President of LULAC, issued the following statement in honor of Guillermo “Memo” Garcia:
“Although there are no words to console Memo Garcia’s family at this time, the entire LULAC community is mourning alongside his loved ones today. Today, we remember the horrific moment last August when innocent women, children, and men at a Walmart in El Paso were taken from us, a day we will never forget.
“Memo’s passing will not be in vain, his courage during the long fight for his life is an inspiration to all of us,” added President Garcia. “We will not stop fighting against white supremacy and gun violence in this country, and during our fight against the racist anti-immigrant rhetoric that plagues our country, we will remember Memo Garcia’s bravery.”
LULAC Ohio joins our National organization and our membership in honoring and remembering Guillermo “Memo” García and the victims of this terrible hate crime.