By John Q. Hosedrinker 
Following a three-year legal dispute, the Uvalde Consolidated Independent School District is set to release records pertaining to the 2022 Robb Elementary School shooting. The massacre resulted in the deaths of 19 children and two adults, and local officials faced criticism for their delayed response. These records include text messages, discussions regarding the former police chief’s termination, and details of security issues at the school. The release follows a lawsuit filed by news organizations, and a court’s ruling against the school district and county, demanding the disclosure of information.
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Uvalde school district will release a trove of records about the Robb Elementary massacre that killed 21 people, and it’s hard to know where to begin when discussing the tragedy and the aftermath.
The sheer number of law enforcement officers present on that day, reported to be around 375, and their failure to act decisively is something that continues to shock and infuriate. The fact that they hesitated, that they waited, while children were being murdered, is a betrayal of their sworn duty. The public has had to fight tooth and nail for every piece of information, which is a painful reminder of the lack of transparency, and makes one wonder what they were trying to hide.
The reports that have come out have included scathing criticisms, which only highlight the failures. The image of officers using hand sanitizer while the massacre was happening is truly horrifying. It’s almost impossible to fathom the level of restraint the community has shown. Then to learn that some officers even received bonuses or rewards after the incident – it’s a slap in the face to everyone affected. It is a clear sign of how they view their job.
The sentiment that these officers prioritized their own safety above the lives of the children is a devastating indictment of their actions. The question must be asked, “What are they there for?”. The focus on personal welfare over duty calls into question the very purpose of their existence. The question then becomes, how many more school shootings will happen before real change takes place. We should stop turning a blind eye.
The conversation shouldn’t just be on the law enforcement response but also on the warning signs from the shooter, the flags that were so blatantly there. If this person had not been born, then the shooting could have been prevented. The fact that some people glorify violence and consider mass shootings as a way to become “famous” is a terrifying trend that our society seems to be battling. Then it happens again, and again.
The idea that the American public doesn’t care, that we haven’t learned anything from these tragedies, is a bitter pill to swallow. And still the cops will be waiting outside. The anger and frustration are entirely understandable. The cops’ lack of interest in protecting children and their focus on harming unarmed people of color is a massive problem. But we need to remain grounded. The political side of it is not the thing that should be focused on, but rather the failures of the people there that day.
The town of Uvalde, and the people are still reeling from this trauma. The loss of life, the lives forever changed. The fact that the school district is releasing these records is a step, but it’s a long road towards healing and justice. The need for a ladder, a window, a way to reach the children. The idea of parents, willing to risk everything to protect their children. The thought of all the people they could have saved.
The truth is, the responsibility is not their own. They had a duty to protect. And they failed. The reality that law enforcement isn’t obligated to protect citizens is a chilling one, and one that underscores the need for change. The fact that officers were more concerned with their image than saving lives is appalling. The fact that they got additional funding is a betrayal of all those lost. And the fact that the officers who were present did nothing is simply unacceptable.
The numbers speak for themselves: 375 officers. The fact that is a shockingly high number. More than a few bad apples. These armed individuals, including the security guard, should have been held accountable for their inaction. They were there to protect, they were well-equipped, and they still failed. The public gave them billions, expecting swift, decisive action.
The argument that they can’t be expected to put themselves in danger is a flimsy excuse. A cop is not the most dangerous job. It is just a job, and if they aren’t willing to put themselves in danger, they are in the wrong profession. The incident shows how the protocols are being changed, and the lack of consequences that have followed this event. The fact that they don’t learn anything is the worst.
The idea of social workers being sent to a shooting seems almost absurd. It goes against the idea that there would be cops, but this is the new reality. The police officers had a duty. They needed to get in there and stop the shooter, and they did not. The fact that Uvalde voted for Trump makes it clear, that the problem is not the people in power. It’s the people that voted for them.
The fact that the cops were cowards who prevented parents from saving their children should always be remembered. The list of major massacres in Texas in the last decade is a stark reminder of the ongoing problem. The fact that some law enforcement did nothing. The fact that someone did something is all that is left of the tragedy.