President Trump’s reelection campaign still owes El Paso more than half a million dollars for police and other public safety services associated with a February rally, according to a city official.
Laura Cruz-Acosta, communications manager for the El Paso city manager’s office, told the Texas Tribune that the campaign originally owed $470,417.05, but the city added a late fee in June after the campaign failed to pay the initial amount.
Saturday’s mass shooting at a Walmart in El Paso has further strained resources, a city council member said.
“Our police and fire are exhausted, our health department had for three days straight been working with the reunification of families. As you see from the bill, these are the services required for a presidential visit. In addition to financial costs, our community and resources are already strained and do not need this extra burden.”
Trump pledged the “total support” of the federal government in the aftermath of the tragedy. He plans to visit the city Wednesday.
Terrible shootings in ElPaso, Texas. Reports are very bad, many killed. Working with State and Local authorities, and Law Enforcement. Spoke to Governor to pledge total support of Federal Government. God be with you all!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 3, 2019
