The families of 19 victims of the tragic Uvalde elementary school shooting have taken legal action against the Texas state police. On Wednesday, they filed a federal lawsuit seeking $500 million in damages against nearly 100 state police officers involved in the botched response to the May 24, 2022, massacre. This lawsuit comes just two days before the second anniversary of the horrific event, which claimed the lives of nineteen fourth-graders and two teachers at Robb Elementary School.
The lawsuit underscores the alleged failures of law enforcement on that fateful day. According to the families, the officers did not adhere to their active shooter training, and as a result, waited over 70 minutes before confronting the teenage gunman. This delay occurred despite more than 370 federal, state, and local officers being present at the scene. The lawsuit is the first of its kind following a comprehensive 600-page Justice Department report, released in January, which detailed “cascading failures” in training, communication, leadership, and technology.
Settlement with the City and Promises of Better Training
In addition to the federal lawsuit, the families have reached a $2 million settlement with the city of Uvalde. As part of this settlement, city leaders have committed to implementing higher standards and improved training for local police officers. This agreement signifies a critical step toward addressing the systemic issues that contributed to the delayed response during the shooting.
The settlement and the filing of the lawsuit mark significant moments of accountability and change. The families’ legal action aims not only to seek justice for the lives lost but also to ensure that such failures do not happen again. As stated by the families and their attorneys, the protocols in place on that day left teachers and students trapped and fully reliant on law enforcement’s prompt and effective response, which ultimately fell short.
Ongoing Criminal Investigation and Calls for Justice
Alongside the civil proceedings, a criminal investigation led by Uvalde District Attorney Christina Mitchell’s office is ongoing. A grand jury has been summoned this year, with some law enforcement officials already called to testify. This investigation seeks to further uncover the actions and inactions of the officers involved and to hold those responsible accountable.
Attorney Erin Rogiers, representing the families, emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating, “Law enforcement’s inaction that day was a complete and absolute betrayal of these families and the sons, daughters, and mothers they lost. TXDPS had the resources, training, and firepower to respond appropriately, and they ignored all of it and failed on every level.” The families, driven by their grief and the responsibility to demand justice, continue to seek accountability through all available legal avenues.
Lawsuit Against Texas Department of Public Safety and Uvalde School District
The latest lawsuit involving 92 officials and troopers from the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) has expanded to include the Uvalde School District, former Robb Elementary Principal Mandy Gutierrez, and former Uvalde schools police Chief Peter Arredondo. The state police’s response was second only to that of the U.S. Border Patrol, which dispatched nearly 150 agents.
Among the defendants are two DPS troopers who were terminated, another who resigned, and several more who were subjected to internal investigations. The highest-ranking DPS official named is South Texas Regional Director Victor Escalon. The Texas DPS has declined to comment on the pending litigation, according to a statement given to The Associated Press.
Plaintiffs and Previous Lawsuits
The plaintiffs in this lawsuit are the families of 17 children who were killed and two more who were wounded in the tragedy. This is not the first legal action stemming from the incident; a separate lawsuit filed in December 2022 by different plaintiffs seeks at least $27 billion and class-action status against local and state police, the city, and other school and law enforcement entities. Additionally, there are at least two lawsuits against Georgia-based gun manufacturer Daniel Defense, which produced the AR-style rifle used by the gunman.
A settlement with the city of Uvalde, capped at $2 million, was reached to avoid bankrupting the community where the plaintiffs reside. This settlement will be covered by the city’s insurance. Josh Koskoff, an attorney for the families, emphasized that the last thing the victims’ families wanted was to impose financial hardship on their community. The city of Uvalde expressed hope that the settlement would bring “healing and restoration” to the community, acknowledging the tragic events of May 24.
Community Response and Settlement Terms
During a news conference at the Uvalde Civic Center, which was sparsely attended, Javier Cazares, the father of slain 9-year-old Jackie Cazares, expressed his disappointment at the lack of community turnout. Cazares highlighted the ongoing pain and emphasized that no monetary settlement could replace the lives lost, stressing the need for justice and accountability.
The settlement with the city includes several measures aimed at fostering community healing and ensuring future safety. These measures include a new “fitness for duty” standard and enhanced training for Uvalde police officers. Additionally, May 24 will be observed annually as a day of remembrance, and a permanent memorial will be established in the city plaza. The settlement also provides for mental health services for the families and the broader Uvalde community, reflecting a comprehensive approach to supporting those affected by the tragedy.
