Meanwhile, in Texas,
a sentencing hearing begins today for the gunman who opened fire at El Paso Walmart.
Back in 2019,
Patrick cru
pleaded guilty to 90 federal charges including hate crimes and firearms offenses.
That after a shooting that left 23 people dead.
The gunman allegedly told authorities he chose the store which is located
near the US Mexico border because it was frequented by Hispanic shoppers.
Authorities say he cased the store the morning of
the shooting then returned wearing protective ear muffs,
safety glasses and carrying a high powered assault style rifle.
The gunman initially pleaded not guilty but requested a rear arrangement
hearing after federal prosecutors agreed to not seek the death penalty.
In that case, the sentencing hearing is expected to take several days.
He separately faces capital murder charges in state
court for which he has pleaded not guilty.
A trial date has not yet been set.