Austin, Texas – Families of 19 victims in the Uvalde elementary school shooting in Texas announced a lawsuit against nearly 100 state police officers involved in the failed law enforcement response. Two days before the two-year anniversary of the tragic event, a $2 million settlement with the city was also agreed upon, promising improved standards and training for local police.
The incident, which took place on May 24, 2022, resulted in the loss of 19 fourth-graders and two teachers when a teenage gunman entered Robb Elementary School and opened fire. This lawsuit is one of many seeking accountability for the delayed law enforcement response, with over 370 officers waiting over 70 minutes before engaging the shooter.
Following the release of a 600-page Justice Department report exposing failures in training, communication, leadership, and technology during the incident, the families filed this lawsuit to hold state troopers accountable for not following active shooter protocols. The lawsuit highlights the reliance of students and teachers on law enforcement for a prompt and effective response.
Terrified students inside the classroom called 911, while parents pleaded with officers to intervene as they could hear gunshots. Eventually, a tactical team engaged the shooter, but the delay was described as a betrayal by families and their attorneys, who are demanding justice for their loved ones lost in the tragedy.
Despite ongoing criminal investigations into the police response, a grand jury has been summoned, and some law enforcement officials have been called to testify. Additionally, the lawsuit has named various defendants, including the Uvalde School District, former school officials, and law enforcement officers.
In a separate lawsuit filed in December 2022, survivors seek at least $27 billion in damages, while other lawsuits target the gun manufacturer who produced the weapon used in the shooting. The $2 million settlement with the city aims to avoid bankruptcy and promote healing in the community, with provisions for improved police training and an annual day of remembrance.
Criticism of the police response has prompted calls for change, with reports highlighting systemic failures in handling the situation. Families, still grieving, hope that these legal actions will bring accountability and prevent future tragedies from occurring. The settlement signifies a step towards rebuilding trust and addressing the failures that led to the devastating loss of life in the Uvalde elementary school shooting.