At a Glance
- Former Uvalde police officer Adrian Gonzales faces trial for failing to stop a shooter.
- 77-minute delay left 19 dead, 21 wounded.
- Only 2 of 376 officers charged; families seek accountability.
- Why it matters: The case may be the first criminal trial of a police officer for inaction during a mass shooting.
After nearly four years of waiting for justice, the first officer on the scene of the 2022 Uvalde school shooting is now on trial. Former Uvalde Schools Police Officer Adrian Gonzales is charged with child abandonment and endangerment for the 77-minute delay that let a teenage gunman kill 19 people.
Trial Overview
The trial begins Monday in Corpus Christi, 200 miles from Uvalde, after a venue change was agreed upon to secure an impartial jury. Gonzales is accused of ignoring active-shooter training and failing to engage or distract the gunman.
- Charges: child abandonment, child endangerment
- Other officer charged: Pete Arredondo, former Uvalde schools police chief
Delayed Response
Police and Texas Gov. Greg Abbott initially claimed swift action ended the shooting, but 77 minutes passed before a tactical team breached the classroom and killed the gunman. Reports highlight problems in training, communication, and leadership.
- Timeline:
- 0:00 – Officers arrive
- 1:17 – Tactical team enters
Community and Legal Impact
Families have pursued federal and state lawsuits, a $2 million settlement, and a new Uvalde Strong Act that requires active-shooter training. The trial is seen as a rare chance to hold an officer criminally accountable for inaction.
| Officer | Charge |
|---|---|
| Adrian Gonzales | Child abandonment, child endangerment |
| Pete Arredondo | Similar charges (trial pending) |
Velma Lisa Duran said:
> “What about the other 374?”
Nico LaHood (Gonzales’ attorney) said:
> “He was focused on getting children out of that building.”
Key Takeaways
- The trial could set a precedent for prosecuting police inaction during shootings.
- Only two officers have been charged out of 376 present.
- Families continue to push for stricter gun-control laws and better training.
This story was reported by News Of Philadelphia and written by Sarah L. Montgomery.
