EL PASO, the United States, Aug. 4 (Xinhua) -- The U.S. federal government is treating a mass shooting in the U.S. state of Texas on Saturday, which killed at least 20, as a domestic terrorism case, a U.S. attorney said Sunday.

"We are treating this as a domestic terrorism case," John Bash, the U.S. attorney for the Western District of Texas, said at a media briefing.

"We are conducting a methodical investigation with our partners...but with a view towards bringing federal hate crimes charges and federal firearm charges which carry a penalty of death," said Bash.

The attack in the border city of El Paso in Texas left 20 people dead and 26 wounded. A 21-year-old white male has been arrested.

"It's been devastating to the community," said Bash, who lived there when he was very young.

"And we're going to do what we do to terrorists in this country -- deliver swift and certain justice," Bash added.

A prayer vigil has been organized in El Paso by local community leaders for the citizens to come together at the difficult time. Enditem