Trial begins for officer accused of failing to protect children during Uvalde shooting

"Nearly 400 officers from state, local and federal law enforcement agencies responded to the school, but 77 minutes passed from the time authorities arrived until a tactical team breached the classroom and killed the shooter, Salvador Ramos. An investigation later showed that Ramos was obsessed with violence and notoriety in the months leading up to the attack. Gonzales and former Uvalde schools police chief Pete Arredondo were among the first on the scene, and they are the only two officers to face criminal charges."

"One of the first police officers to respond to the 2022 school shooting in Uvalde, Texas, goes on trial Monday on charges that he failed to protect children during the attack, when authorities waited more than an hour to confront the gunman. Adrian Gonzales, a former Uvalde schools officer, faces 29 counts of child abandonment or endangerment in a rare prosecution of an officer accused of not doing more to stop a crime and protect lives."

Adrian Gonzales, a former Uvalde schools officer, faces 29 counts of child abandonment or endangerment for allegedly failing to protect children during the 2022 Robb Elementary shooting. The teenage gunman killed 19 students and two teachers. Nearly 400 officers from multiple agencies responded, but 77 minutes passed from arrival until a tactical team breached the classroom and killed the shooter. Investigations found the shooter was obsessed with violence and notoriety beforehand. Gonzales and former schools police chief Pete Arredondo were among the first on scene and are the only officers criminally charged so far. Gonzales pleaded not guilty; the trial may last up to three weeks and the charges carry up to two years in prison.

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