The families of 19 victims of the Uvalde elementary school shooting in Texas have filed a federal lawsuit worth $500 million against nearly 100 state police officers. They claim these officers mishandled the law enforcement response to one of the deadliest school shootings in U.S. history.
In addition to the lawsuit, the families reached a $2 million settlement with the city. As part of this agreement, city officials pledged to improve standards and provide better training for local police.
The lawsuit and settlement were announced in Uvalde just before the two-year anniversary of the tragedy. On May 24, 2022, a teenage gunman entered Robb Elementary School, killing 19 fourth-graders and two teachers.
Seeking damages of at least $500 million, the lawsuit is one of several aimed at holding law enforcement accountable for their response.
A resident arrives for a news conference (Via Noble White/Shutterstock)
Despite over 370 officers from various agencies responding to the scene, they waited more than 70 minutes before engaging the shooter.
This lawsuit follows a detailed Justice Department report released in January, which highlighted numerous failures in training, communication, leadership, and technology during the incident.
The lawsuit points out that state troopers did not follow their active shooter training or confront the gunman, while students and teachers followed lockdown protocols inside the school.
“The protocols kept teachers and students inside, relying completely on law enforcement to react quickly and effectively,” stated the families and their legal representatives.
