After nearly two years after the tragic Uvalde school massacre, two former police officershave been indicted for their roles in the widely criticized law enforcement response.
Pete Arredondo, the former Uvalde schools police chief, and Adrian Gonzales, a former school officer, face multiple charges of child endangerment related to the May 24, 2022 slaughter that left 19 children and two teachers dead at Robb Elementary School.
Arredondo, who was the on-site commander during the incident, has been indicted on 10 counts of felony child endangerment/abandonment. Gonzales faces 29 similar charges. These indictments mark the first criminal charges against law enforcement officers in connection with one of the deadliest school shootings in U.S. history.
The charges stem from the officers’ inaction that led to a 77-minute delay between the start of the shooting and when law enforcement finally confronted and killed the 18-year-old gunman. This prolonged wait has been the subject of intense scrutiny and criticism, with multiple investigations concluding that the delay cost lives.
A Justice Department report released in January 2024 described the police response as a series of “cascading failures,” highlighting a lack of urgency and cowardice. Similarly, a Texas state investigation faulted law enforcement at every level for failing to prioritize saving children’s lives over their own safety.
State Senator Roland Gutierrez argued the indictments don’t go far enough. Gutierrez pointed out that nearly 400 law enforcement officers from various agencies were present at the scene but refused to take action, and said more officers should be held accountable.
Ana Rodriguez, mother of 10-year-old victim Maite, expressed a similar sentiment, stating, “It’s a step forward but this is simply not enough. There were numerous officers with knowledge that it was an active shooter situation. Others need to also be held accountable for their inaction.”
The indictments followed a six-month grand jury investigation, which included a tour of the now-closed elementary school. District Attorney Christina Mitchell praised the grand jury but declined to comment further on the ongoing case.
Arredondo, who lost his job three months after the shooting, has been particularly criticized for holding back rather than engaging an active shooter, a decision that contradicted established police doctrine for such incidents.
The legal proceedings against Arredondo and Gonzales are likely to reignite debates about police accountability and protocols in active shooter situations. They also underscore the ongoing impact of the tragedy on the Uvalde community, which remains divided over how to move forward.
As the case progresses, it will undoubtedly be closely watched by law enforcement agencies, policymakers, and the public alike. The outcome could have far-reaching implications for police training, crisis response protocols, and accountability measures in the face of such devastating events.