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

"CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas -- 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."

"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."

"The charges against Gonzales carry up to two years in prison if he is convicted. The trial, which is expected to last up to three weeks, begins with jury selection. Former Uvalde Consolidated Independent School District police officer Adrian Gonzales arrives at the Uvalde County Courthouse, Thursday, July 25, 2024, in Uvalde, Texas. Gonzales pleaded not guilty. His attorney has said Gonzales tried to save children that day."

Adrian Gonzales, a former Uvalde schools officer, is on trial on 29 counts of child abandonment or endangerment for allegedly failing to engage during the 2022 Robb Elementary shooting. The teenage gunman killed 19 students and two teachers after authorities waited 77 minutes from arrival to breach the classroom. Nearly 400 officers responded from multiple agencies. Gonzales and former police chief Pete Arredondo were among the first on scene; they are the only officers criminally charged so far. The trial begins with jury selection and may last up to three weeks. Gonzales pleaded not guilty and faces up to two years in prison if convicted.

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