UVALDE, Texas — The trial of Adrian Gonzales, a former school police officer linked to the tragic Uvalde shooting in 2022, commenced with compelling bodycam footage presented in court for the first time. Gonzales faces 29 counts of child endangerment, with prosecutors arguing that his inaction during the mass shooting, which claimed the lives of 19 children and two teachers, contributed to a catastrophic failure in law enforcement response.
During Thursday’s proceedings, former Uvalde Police Officer Daniel Coronado recounted his experience from that fateful day, detailing his entry into Robb Elementary School alongside Gonzales, then Uvalde school police chief Pete Arredondo, and former officer Donald Page. The footage shown captured a chaotic scene where gunpowder smoke filled the vibrant hallways adorned with children’s artwork, as the officers searched for the shooter amid rising tensions.
Coronado described how, upon hearing another officer’s distress call after being shot, Arredondo instructed Gonzales to exit the school to call in for SWAT assistance, citing issues with their radios. This led Coronado and Gonzales to cover the east side of the building, anticipating the shooter’s possible escape. Prosecutors contend that this action amounted to neglect, as Gonzales did not engage the shooter.
The defense, however, argued that Gonzales was adhering to orders, suggesting that following commands is indeed a form of action. During cross-examination, defense attorney Nico LaHood highlighted the actions of two Uvalde police officers, Juan Saucedo and Jesus Mendoza, who reportedly arrived just moments before Coronado. Coronado recalled seeing the officers hiding behind their vehicles, which he found surprising, considering the urgency of the situation.
LaHood insinuated that both Saucedo and Mendoza had their own chances to confront the shooter but failed to act. He pointed out that Saucedo, upon arriving, had asked for permission to shoot, which Coronado noted was odd for officers trained to respond to threats without hesitation. LaHood questioned the rationale behind charging Gonzales, arguing that no reasonable person would expect him to have knowledge of the shooter’s location while others were unaware as well.
As the courtroom drama unfolded, Judge Sid Harle informed the jury of an emergency involving one of its members, prompting an early recess for the day. Gonzales, who maintains his innocence, asserts that he bears the brunt of blame for systemic failures among the nearly 400 officers present during the incident.
This trial not only examines the specific actions of Gonzales but also serves as a reflection of broader issues within law enforcement protocols during crises, raising critical questions about accountability and the responsibilities of police officers in life-threatening situations.