AUSTIN, Texas -- Thursday is the first time the governor's newly-formed Texas Safety Commission will meet.
Gov. Greg Abbott announced the commission in the wake of the El Paso shooting that left 22 people dead.
He’s called together tech giants, state lawmakers and the FBI to discuss ways to combat "hateful ideologies," domestic terrorism and cybersecurity threats.
Rep. Mary Gonzalez, D-Clint, represents parts of El Paso and will be part of Thursday’s meeting. She said she’s hopeful all voices will be heard.
“Everyone at the table has to have a commitment that they want to take action,” Rep. Gonzalez said. “That we are meeting not to just talk, but we are meeting to find solutions collectively. We can’t do nothing.”
Authorities say the suspected El Paso gunman confessed to targeting Mexicans during the August 3 attack. They also believe he posted a racist screed online shortly before opening fire.
Gonzalez said gun violence, domestic terrorism and race all need to be part of the conversation.
“This was the largest attack on Latino people in the country, ever. And so we can’t forget the fact of race and racism.”
Click the video link above to watch our full interview with Rep. Gonzalez.