The horrific events began at approximately 11:33 AM, when the 18-year-old shooter armed with a semiautomatic rifle entered the school’s west building and targeted classrooms 111 and 112, which were interconnected. Within two and a half minutes, he fired over 100 rounds.
Despite the involvement of at least two dozen state, local, and federal agencies, and nearly 400 officers, law enforcement waited 77 minutes before entering the classroom where the shooter had barricaded himself.
During this time, officers remained in the hallway while the massacre unfolded inside. Parents gathered outside the school and demanded to go in to save their children. The police did not allow them access, despite the shots coming from inside the school.
Arredondo later claimed he was unaware he was in command of the response.
DOJ Report
In January, the Department of Justice released a critical incident review of the shooting, highlighting the delayed response in confronting the assailant.
According to police doctrine, officers are expected to act immediately to confront an active shooter.
