Woman who was shot six times in transphobic attack says she fears being targeted again
Daniela Calderon Rivera, of Dallas, was left with horrific injuries (GoFundMe)
A woman who was targeted in a transphobic attack has spoken out about her fears that she will be targeted again.
Daniela Calderon Rivera, of Dallas, was left in critical condition requiring multiple surgeries after being shot six times in a targeted attack in September.
Speaking to CNN, Calderon Rivera explained that she was aware of the spate of violence targeting trans women of colour across the country, but never thought she would become one of the victims.
Calderon Rivera, a sex worker, was targeted by a man who initially propositioned her for sex but grew angry when he discovered she is transgender.
The man began spewing homophobic and transphobic slurs, and pursued Calderon Rivera after she escaped. After hunting her down once again, he shot her six times.
She said: “This is the worst memory I will have for all of my life.”
Transphobic attack left woman in critical condition
The attack left her facing weeks in hospital, with doctors performing emergency surgery to do a small bowel resection, repair her brachial artery in her right arm, before perform exploratory surgery where they discovered an injury to her liver.
Daniela Calderon Rivera, of Dallas, was left with horrific injuries (GoFundMe)
Police investigated the shooting as a hate crime and charged a man, Domingo Ramirez-Cavente, with aggravated assault.
He admitted the attack to officers, according to CNN, but has been let out of jail on bond ahead of the trial.
Calderon Rivera said: “My biggest fear is that soon I will be out of this hospital, but this person is also out. I am afraid that he is going to finish what he started.”
Stacey Monroe of Organización Latina de Trans en Texas said: “I’d call him a monster because that’s what he is.
“This person, who is out on bond, now is seven minutes away from where I live. I think it’s ridiculous – he literally attempted to kill her.”
Monroe visits Calderon Rivera every day to take care of her, as she has no family in the US.
Stacey Monroe visits Daniela Calderon Rivera every day, because she has no family in the US
She said: “I can relate to her because I once felt like I was alone and I didn’t want anyone else to feel that way.”
Internet raises $13,000 for medical costs
The trans activist also set up a crowdfunder to help contribute to medical costs, which has raised $13,000.
It explains: “Daniela’s injuries required emergency surgery in which doctors had to do a small bowel resection, repair her brachial artery in her right arm, and perform exploratory surgery where they discovered an injury to her liver.
“She is out of critical condition, but the road to recovery will be long. With no family nearby or significant resources, Daniela is currently confined to a Dallas hospital bed with catastrophic injuries.
“In addition to your prayers, Daniela needs money…and she needs it fast. She needs it to pay medical expenses, rent, bills, food, and anything else she may need on her road to recovery.”
Calderon Rivera added: “I want to show the community what that person did to me. He tried to kill me, but through it all, I never lost hope.”
