Uvalde Officer Faces Trial Over Delayed Response in School Shooting

Wed Jan 07 2026 06:01:25 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Adrian Gonzales, a former school officer, is set to commence trial for failing to protect children during the Uvalde shooting where 19 students and two teachers were killed. The prosecution centers on his inaction during the deadly incident.

Adrian Gonzales, one of the first police officers on the scene of the Uvalde school shooting in 2022, is on trial facing accusations of child endangerment due to his delayed response during the attack that claimed the lives of 21 individuals. Despite nearly 400 officers responding, a tactical team took over an hour to confront the shooter. Gonzales, who claims he tried to save children, pleads not guilty. The trial is anticipated to last up to three weeks with jury selection beginning shortly.

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas (AP) — The trial of Adrian Gonzales, a former police officer involved in the response to the tragic 2022 Uvalde school shooting, commenced Monday. He faces charges of child abandonment and endangerment that stem from allegations he failed to act during the attack where 19 children and two teachers lost their lives.

Nearly 400 law enforcement officers descended upon Robb Elementary, but it took over an hour for them to breach the classroom and neutralize the shooter, Salvador Ramos. This trial marks a rare moment where a police officer is prosecuted for their inaction during such a dire situation.

Gonzales, among the first officers on-site alongside former Uvalde schools police chief Pete Arredondo, has pleaded not guilty. His legal representation asserts that he attempted to rescue students on that fateful day.

As the indictment alleges, Gonzales' actions placed children at significant risk by failing to follow active shooter training protocols and not advancing toward the gunfire, despite having heard the shots. This serious lapse has raised questions about police response protocols during critical situations.

Prosecutors will aim to demonstrate that Gonzales placed children in “imminent danger” while calls from desperate parents and 911 pleas from victims revealed the harrowing reality to the public.

The atmosphere remains fraught with tension, as many family members of victims have expressed frustration that only Gonzales and Arredondo face charges, believing more officers deserve scrutiny. The trial is expected to last up to three weeks, with jury selection now underway.

As the community grapples with the grief and consequences of that day, Gonzales faces the possibility of two years in prison if convicted. The case has drawn comparisons to past incidents where officers faced trial for their inaction during mass shootings, highlighting the ongoing debate about police accountability.

Uvalde's scars are still evident, with memorials present throughout the town, ensuring that the memories of the victims remain alive for their families and the community.