On Monday, Arnulfo Reyes, a teacher who endured the Uvalde shooting at Robb Elementary School, recounted his traumatic experience to a jury. He described his terrifying encounter with the gunman, who he saw as a ‘black shadow’ carrying a weapon, stating, “I looked at my door and that’s when I saw him ... a black shadow. The black shadow was holding a gun.” Reyes was shot while trying to shield his students; unfortunately, none of the children in his classroom survived.

This testimony took place on the fifth day of the trial for Adrian Gonzales, a former Uvalde police officer accused of failing to intervene as the horrific attack unfolded. Prosecutors allege that Gonzales abandoned his training and did not act to stop the shooter during the crucial initial moments of the attack. Reyes's emotional testimony, which included statements about praying for his life and the lives of his students during the shooting, was supported by video evidence shown in court.

The trial has highlighted the devastating aftermath of the shooting that left 19 students and two teachers dead, and raises questions about the accountability of law enforcement during emergencies. Gonzales is one of the few officers facing charges for his actions during the attack, aiming to shed light on the responsibilities of law enforcement in active shooter scenarios.