Former Miami Heat guard Dwyane Wade was deeply saddened by Saturday’s shooting in El Paso, Texas that killed 20 people and injured 26 more.
To subtly express his anger at the apparent motive of racism, Wade retweeted a video of presidential candidate Beto O’Rourke’s denunciation of President Donald Trump and added a raised fist emoji to show his support.
— DWade (@DwyaneWade) August 4, 2019
El Paso sits on the border between the United States and Mexico, with citizens of each country frequently making their way across the border. Before and during Trump’s time in office, he’s made strict enforcement of the border a top priority.
In addition to those steps taken, the often harsh rhetoric used by Trump has led his critics to claim that is is racist in nature. Six of the victims who were killed were Mexican citizens.
JUST IN: Mexico’s Prez AMLO says that 6 of the 20 confirmed dead in El Paso are Mexican nationals
⚡️Via @Reforma https://t.co/IYrG8pqopp
— José Díaz Briseño (@diazbriseno) August 4, 2019
During his playing career, Wade was not afraid to offer his opinions on controversial topics. Among those efforts was his vocal support on behalf of students at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Fla.
In the wake of a school shooting at the high school in February 2018, students there launched a nationwide effort to establish new gun control laws. Wade visited the school and donated $200,000 to help students from his hometown of Chicago to attend a Washington, D.C. rally the following month to help build that support.
Wade’s disdain for Trump is also likely stoked by the fact that during the 2016 presidential campaign, Trump used the shooting death of Wade’s cousin to promote his candidacy.
Dwyane Wade's cousin was just shot and killed walking her baby in Chicago. Just what I have been saying. African-Americans will VOTE TRUMP!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 27, 2016
Then, last year, Trump insulted Wade’s close friend and former Heat teammate LeBron James.
Lebron James was just interviewed by the dumbest man on television, Don Lemon. He made Lebron look smart, which isn’t easy to do. I like Mike!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 4, 2018
In retirement, Wade now has plenty of different avenues that he can pursue. However, this most recent tweet shows that his social conscience is one that will continue to drive his focus.
