CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas (AP) — The trial of former Uvalde school officer Adrian Gonzales started Tuesday amidst emotional testimony following the tragic 2022 shooting at Robb Elementary that left 19 students and 2 teachers dead. Families and spectators were brought to tears as they listened to frantic 911 calls that illustrated the chaos of the day.
During the opening statements, the prosecutor claimed Gonzales was present outside the school just before the shooter entered but failed to act. Special prosecutor Bill Turner described Gonzales’ inaction as a pivotal moment and asserted, The officer went into Robb Elementary only 'after the damage had been done.' Statements from the defense countered that Gonzales acted under extreme stress and made decisions based on the information available at the time.
As the courtroom heard dispatch calls for help, families were provided tissue boxes, emotions escalating as they relived the horrifying events. Gonzales' actions are under scrutiny, particularly his decision to wait rather than confront the armed assailant, a choice prosecutors argue put children's lives at risk.
Defense attorneys defended Gonzales, suggesting he was actively assessing the situation and coordinating response efforts, asserting he did what he could under pressure. They pointed out that he was handling the situation amidst gunfire and chaos.
Turner emphasized the expectation for an immediate response from officers when a child calls 911. This context underscores broader systemic criticisms of law enforcement’s response during the attack, which saw hundreds of officers on the scene yet remained passive for over an hour.
The heartbreaking testimonies of the victims’ families raise questions about accountability and why additional officers were not charged for their delayed response. As Gonzales faces potential sentencing to up to two years if convicted, the trial unfolds with deep implications for community trust in law enforcement during emergencies.
The courtroom will hear testimonies from various witnesses, including families of victims, as the trial continues into its next phases.
