A federal report released Thursday revealed that U.S. Border Patrol agents who responded to the school shooting in Uvalde, Texas, in May 2022, lacked proper command structure and training to effectively handle the situation. The report, conducted by the Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Professional Responsibility, highlighted the disorganized response at Robb Elementary School, where a teenage gunman armed with an AR-style rifle killed 19 students and two teachers.
The review pointed out that the failure to establish clear incident management or command protocols led to delays and potential further loss of life. The report also mentioned the confusion among arriving law enforcement personnel, with no clear command established at the scene, resulting in inaction and disorganization.
While Border Patrol agents faced criticism for their response, they were not the only ones under scrutiny. The report highlighted the slow police response from various law enforcement entities, including state police officials, school police, and city police. The lack of urgency in establishing a command center and poor decision-making were among the criticisms raised in previous investigations.
During the incident, terrified students and teachers inside the school made desperate 911 calls for help, while officers outside struggled to determine the best course of action. The report also mentioned the delayed entry of law enforcement into the classroom where the gunman was, with a Border Patrol tactical team eventually entering and fatally shooting the assailant.
Victims' families have been seeking accountability for the slow response, with two Uvalde school police officers facing criminal charges and a federal lawsuit filed against law enforcement responders. The incident has raised questions about law enforcement training, communication, and leadership, prompting calls for improved protocols to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
