A Texas jury has acquitted police officer Adrian Gonzales of child endangerment charges related to his response to the 2022 mass shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas. The shooting resulted in the deaths of 19 students and two teachers.
Officer Cleared of All Charges
Gonzales, 52, faced 29 counts of abandoning and endangering both deceased students and survivors. The jury reached its verdict on Wednesday, approximately seven hours after beginning deliberations. Prosecutors argued that Gonzales, as the first officer on the scene, failed to immediately confront the 18-year-old gunman.
During closing arguments, special prosecutor Bill Turner stated, “You can’t stand by and allow it to happen,” emphasizing the need for immediate action to stop the shooter. However, Gonzales’s lawyer, Jason Goss, contended that the prosecution sought to blame Gonzales and make him “pay for the pain of that day.”
Delayed Confrontation
A 2024 federal report revealed that it took 77 minutes after the first officers arrived for police to confront and kill the shooter. The report detailed a “lack of urgency” in the response and identified “cascading failures of leadership, decision-making, tactics, policy and training.”
The Uvalde shooting prompted multiple lawsuits, and in 2024, victims’ families reached a $2 million (£1.49m) settlement with the city of Uvalde regarding the response to the incident.
Frequently Asked Questions
What charges was Officer Gonzales facing?
Officer Gonzales was facing 29 counts relating to allegations of abandoning and endangering 19 deceased students and 10 survivors.
How long did it take police to confront the shooter?
According to a 2024 federal report, it took 77 minutes after the first officers arrived for police to confront and kill the shooter.
Was a settlement reached with the victims’ families?
Yes, victims’ families reached a $2 million (£1.49m) settlement with the city of Uvalde in 2024 as compensation for the response to the incident.
The acquittal of Officer Gonzales may lead to further legal challenges or appeals, and could potentially influence policy changes regarding police response protocols in active shooter events.
