CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — The trial of Adrian Gonzales, a former Uvalde schools officer, begins Monday, with the former officer facing 29 counts of child abandonment or endangerment stemming from his actions during the 2022 school shooting at Robb Elementary. The charges center on allegations that Gonzales failed to protect children during the attack, as authorities waited more than an hour to confront the gunman.
A Delayed Response and Criminal Charges
On May 24, 2022, a teenage gunman killed 19 students and two teachers at Robb Elementary, marking one of the deadliest school shootings in U.S. history. Nearly 400 officers responded to the scene, but a 77-minute delay occurred before a tactical team finally breached the classroom and killed the shooter, Salvador Ramos. Investigations revealed Ramos had exhibited an obsession with violence and notoriety in the months leading up to the tragedy.
Gonzales and former Uvalde schools police chief Pete Arredondo were among the first officers on the scene. They are the only two facing criminal charges related to the delayed response. Arredondo’s trial date has not yet been set.
The Trial and Potential Outcomes
Gonzales has pleaded not guilty to the 29 counts against him, which each carry a potential sentence of up to two years in prison. The trial, expected to last up to three weeks, is being held in Corpus Christi, approximately 200 miles from Uvalde, at the request of Gonzales’ attorneys who argued a fair trial would be impossible in the town deeply affected by the shooting. Prosecutors did not object to the change of venue.
The indictment alleges Gonzales placed children in “imminent danger” by failing to engage, distract, or delay the shooter, and by not adhering to active shooter training protocols. Specifically, the allegations state he did not move toward the sound of gunfire despite hearing shots and being informed of the shooter’s location.
Lingering Grief and Community Impact
The town of Uvalde, with a population of 15,000, continues to bear the visible scars of the shooting. Robb Elementary remains closed, but stands as a stark reminder of the tragedy. Memorials, including 21 crosses and floral tributes, are maintained near the school, and murals honoring the victims adorn buildings throughout the town.
Family members of the victims continue to seek accountability. Velma Lisa Duran, whose sister Irma Garcia was among those killed, expressed the sentiment that “They all waited and allowed children and teachers to die.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What charges does Adrian Gonzales face?
Adrian Gonzales faces 29 counts of child abandonment or endangerment related to his actions during the Robb Elementary shooting.
How long did authorities wait before confronting the shooter?
Nearly 400 officers responded to the school, but 77 minutes passed from the time authorities arrived until a tactical team breached the classroom and killed the shooter.
Where is the trial being held?
The trial is being held in Corpus Christi, Texas, approximately 200 miles from Uvalde, at the request of Gonzales’ attorneys.
As the trial begins, the community of Uvalde, and the nation, will be watching to see how the legal system addresses the question of responsibility in the wake of this devastating tragedy. What message will this trial send about the expectations placed on law enforcement during active shooter events?
