UVALDE, Texas – Families of the victims in the tragic Uvalde elementary school shooting are preparing to address the media in light of the upcoming two-year anniversary of the devastating event. On May 24, 2022, 19 fourth-grade students and two teachers lost their lives when a teenage gunman entered Robb Elementary School and opened fire.
Attorney Josh Koskoff, known for his involvement in the successful legal actions following the 2012 Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting, is representing the Uvalde families. The families affected by the Uvalde shooting have filed multiple lawsuits, including a significant lawsuit against local and state authorities seeking billions of dollars in damages and class-action status for the survivors.
Criticism has been directed toward the police response during the Uvalde shooting. Over 370 officers from various law enforcement agencies arrived on the scene, but a delay of more than 70 minutes in confronting the shooter has raised concerns and questions about the handling of the situation. Distressed students trapped in the classroom managed to call for help while desperate parents pleaded with officers to intervene amid the sound of gunfire.
An extensive 600-page report by the Justice Department revealed a series of failures in training, communication, leadership, and technology that contributed to the tragic outcome of the Uvalde shooting. Additionally, a separate report commissioned by the city highlighted missteps made by law enforcement but defended the local police department’s actions, causing tension with the families of the victims.
The investigation into the police response by the Uvalde District Attorney’s office remains ongoing, with a grand jury convened earlier in the year to examine the actions of law enforcement officials involved in the incident. The scrutiny surrounding the handling of the Uvalde shooting serves as a reminder of the importance of preparedness and swift action in preventing and responding to such tragic events.