Testimony Begins in Grand Jury Investigation into Police Response at Uvalde’s Robb Elementary School Shooting
On Friday, school employees and victims of the tragic shooting incident at Uvalde’s Robb Elementary School in 2022 started providing testimony before a secret grand jury, according to reliable sources. Previously, investigators and Steve McCraw, the head of the Texas Department of Public Safety, have already presented their accounts before this body.
The Pursuit of Justice
“This feels like our last chance for justice,” one of the victims shared with media outlets on Friday morning, expressing their hope that the grand jury proceedings would lead to significant findings and accountability.
Witnesses Sworn to Silence
The district attorney leading the investigation instructed all witnesses appearing before the grand jury not to disclose their testimonies publicly.
Controversial City Report and Resignation
The testimony comes a week after the Uvalde City Council released an independent report exonerating all local officers involved in the response to the May 24, 2022, massacre. This decision was met with disappointment and disbelief from many victims’ families and community members.
In recent days, the city’s police chief, Daniel Rodriguez, announced his sudden resignation, effective April 6. This decision was made in the aftermath of a report that had previously identified several shortcomings within the law enforcement response on the day that a teenage gunman took the lives of 19 young children and two dedicated teachers.
Background: Previous Reports Identified Multiple Failures
Reports from both the US Department of Justice and the Texas House of Representatives had previously shed light on several significant flaws in the law enforcement response during this tragic event.
Unexpected Turn of Events: Police Chief’s Resignation
Rodriguez, who had previously expressed his support for the officers involved and refused to take any disciplinary action against them despite calls for accountability, will now be leaving his position. Rodriguez had appointed Lt. Mariano Pargas to act as chief during his absence on May 24, 2022.
Lt. Mariano Pargas: A Key Figure in the Tragedy
Pargas arrived at the scene within minutes but failed to take action to save children trapped inside with the shooter or assume a command role. Instead, officers remained in the hallway while the gunman remained active within the classroom for 77 minutes. Pargas eventually resigned from the police department in November 2022.
More Testimonies Awaited
Friday’s testimony sessions are expected to continue with several more victims and families of survivors scheduled to provide their accounts later in the day.
