Perry was likely referring to last month’s deadly car bombing in Juarez, not El Paso. The attack marked a new escalation in violence across the border.

The office of Governor Rick Perry sent this statement to KFOX:

“In response to your question, he was referring to the incident in which a car bomb was detonated by cartel members in Juarez, just across from El Paso. Gov. Perry remains committed to protecting legitimate cross border trade and travel, and to ensure El Paso and other border communities are safe from those who would do us harm. "As the governor previously mentioned, bullets did in fact strike El Paso City Hall in late June during a skirmish in the ongoing and escalating drug war in Juarez. Thankfully no one was injured in that incident, but it certainly underscores the seriousness of the violent drug war taking place only miles from our border communities and the need for adequate federal resources to secure the border. “

El Paso Mayor John Cook said Perry’s verbal flub doesn’t help the Sun City’s image.

“It's like an uphill battle almost, swimming against the tide, trying to convince people that the violence hasn't spilled over,” said Cook.

Cook said he often hears misconceptions others have about El Paso as he travels across the country.

“We're constantly being asked by people who live outside of this community about the violence and how it has impacted El Paso,” said Cook. “You know, ‘Do I feel safe raising my children here, raising my grandchildren here?’”

And Cook said those perceptions of El Paso are hurdles to overcome when trying to attract business to the region.

“It doesn't help when the governor comes out and adds to that perception that the violence has spilled over,” said Cook. “I'm sure he didn't do it to be mean-spirited or to put El Paso down.”

Cook said city leaders will continue to spread the message that El Paso is a safe community, the second safest city in the nation.

“And we welcome the governor to come down,” said Cook. “He likes El Paso. Last time he was here, he and I took a motorcycle ride. Maybe we should do that again to show him that it is a safe community and even our roads are safe.”

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