In May 2022, a school shooting in Uvalde, Texas, left 19 students and two teachers dead. Body camera footage and 911 calls from terrified students were released by city officials after a legal battle. The delayed law enforcement response, where nearly 400 officers waited over 70 minutes to confront the gunman, has been widely criticized as a massive failure. Families of the victims have sought accountability for the slow response, with some feeling anger at the lack of transparency and justice.
The shooter, 18-year-old Salvador Ramos, entered Robb Elementary School and opened fire, leading to chaos and confusion among law enforcement. The SWAT team was called in from Austin, but by the time they arrived Ramos had already been shot and killed. Multiple investigations pointed to problems in training, communication, and leadership within law enforcement, with criticism of officers prioritizing their own safety over that of children and teachers.
Some families have called for more officers to be charged, while others have filed lawsuits against law enforcement, social media companies, online gaming companies, and the gun manufacturer that made the rifle used in the shooting. Two responding officers are facing criminal charges, while the former school Police Chief and officer have pleaded not guilty to child abandonment and endangerment charges. Amidst the tragedy and loss, the community continues to seek answers and justice for the victims of the school shooting.
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