On May 24, 2022, in Uvalde, Texas, an 18-year-old gunman entered Robb Elementary School and opened fire, killing 19 students and two teachers. The response from law enforcement was met with criticism due to the delay in confronting the shooter. Now, families of the victims have reached a settlement with the city of Uvalde for $2 million and filed lawsuits against various entities involved in the incident.
The settlement includes enhanced training for police officers and implementation of a new standard for responding to active shooter situations in coordination with the US Justice Department. The families also announced plans to sue 92 state Department of Public Safety officers, former principal Mandy Gutierrez, and fired police chief Pete Arredondo.
According to reports from multiple sources, there was a lack of urgency among over 370 officers during the response to the shooting. A Justice Department report found that officers waited over an hour before confronting the gunman. The families' attorney, Josh Koskoff, stated that this delay amounted to abandoning their duty to protect children.
The settlement also includes additional training and mental health services for the community, as well as creation of a committee to coordinate a permanent memorial. However, separate lawsuits will be filed against the federal government for alleged failures during the response.
Joshua Gutierrez, Uvalde schools chief of police since November 2022, resigned less than two years after his predecessor was fired for inaction during the shooting response. The reasons for his resignation have not been disclosed.
The settlement and lawsuits come as part of a larger effort to hold those responsible accountable for their actions during the tragic event. The families' determination to seek justice highlights the importance of thorough investigations and transparency in such situations.
