At a Glance
- Adrian Gonzales, first officer on scene at Robb Elementary, faces 29 counts of child abandonment or endangerment
- Trial starts Monday in Corpus Christi, moved 200 miles from Uvalde after defense argued local bias
- Why it matters: This is only the second time in U.S. history a school-resource officer faces criminal charges for not confronting a mass shooter
A former Uvalde school police officer stands trial this week for allegedly failing to stop the 2022 Robb Elementary massacre that left 19 fourth-graders and two teachers dead while officers waited 77 minutes outside the classroom.
The Charges
Adrian Gonzales, once a school-district officer, is charged with 29 felony counts of child abandonment or endangerment. Prosecutors say he ignored active-shooter training, never advanced toward gunfire, and left children in “imminent danger.” Each count carries up to 2 years in prison.
- Indictment: failed to engage, distract, or delay Salvador Ramos
- Allegedly heard shots and knew the shooter’s location
- Claimed he later helped evacuate other students
The Response That Wasn’t
Nearly 400 officers from local, state, and federal agencies converged on the school, yet the gunman remained unchecked for 1 hour 17 minutes. A tactical team finally breached the classroom and killed Ramos, but the delay sparked national outrage.
| Key Timeline | Duration |
|---|---|
| First officers arrive | ~11:30 a.m. |
| Ramos killed | ~12:50 p.m. |
| Total delay | 77 minutes |
Pete Arredondo, the former district police chief, also faces identical charges; his trial date is unscheduled.
Political Fallout
Initially, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott praised the response:
> “The reason it was not worse is because law enforcement officials did what they do … they were able to save lives.”
Weeks later, after 911 calls revealed trapped students begging for help, Abbott said he had been “misled” and was “livid.”
Victims’ Families Push for More
A family representative announced a civil settlement with the city two days before the second anniversary and filed a new lawsuit against 98 state officers involved in the response.
Velma Lisa Duran, sister of slain teacher Irma Garcia, said:
> “They all waited and allowed children and teachers to die.”
What’s Next
Jury selection starts Monday in Corpus Christi; the trial could last three weeks. Convictions are rare: a Florida jury acquitted Scot Peterson, the Parkland resource officer charged under similar circumstances, in 2023.
Key Takeaways
- Gonzales is only the second U.S. officer tried for inaction during a school shooting
- Families want more officers held accountable
- A verdict could set precedent for future mass-casualty prosecutions
Uvalde’s 15,000 residents still see daily reminders-Robb Elementary stands closed behind crosses, flowers, and murals of the 21 who never came home.
