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In a deeply emotional and contentious session, the Uvalde school shooting families voiced their anger and disbelief as an independent investigator presented his findings regarding the response of the Uvalde Police Department to the tragic incident. 

The Uvalde City Council convened a special meeting to hear the long-delayed report.

Many of those directly affected by the devastating events of May 24, 2022, were at the meeting. 

As Austin-area investigator Jesse Prado presented his conclusions, shock and disbelief reverberated throughout the council chamber.

 Despite widespread criticism and condemnation of the Uvalde Police Department's response to the school shooting, Prado's report absolved the department of any wrongdoing or policy violations. 

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Uvalde School Shooting Families

The presentation left many families feeling betrayed, angry and disillusioned, further compounding their grief and trauma.

The investigation, initiated by then-Mayor Don McLaughlin in July 2022, was supposed to be completed within 60 to 90 days. It took nineteen months for the report to be finalized. 

In the meantime, the Justice department report on the Uvalde shooting was released January 18, 2024. It found a “failure of leadership and a lack of decisive inaction by police to breach the classroom for 77 minutes that cost multiple lives.”

All of Prado’s findings were directly contradicted by the Justice Department report.

Families' Outraged at Prado report

Uvalde County Constable Emmanuel Zamora and Sheriff Ruben Nolasco were both highlighted for their inaction on that day.

Hundreds of law enforcement officers waited more than an hour to take down the school shooter while they kept parents from running inside to their children’s aid.

The families were appalled and angry at what they termed a “cover-up.” They have been waiting far too long for answers and justice for their loved ones.

Demand for Accountability

The conversation at the meeting got heated. And at one point, Prado left the room. 

 After the presentation the city council issued an apology and acknowledged some of the report's inadequacies.

As the community grapples with the aftermath of the Uvalde school shooting and confronts the painful realities exposed by the investigation, there is a pressing need for transparency, accountability, and systemic reforms to prevent such tragedies from recurring. 

As the families of the victims continue to experience their grief and to honor the loss of their loved ones.

So far city officials and law enforcement agencies have been slow to issue conflicting reports. And citizens of Uvalde are calling for accountability, transparency and reform.