Uvalde, Texas – A recently released independent report commissioned by the city of Uvalde has caused outrage among family members of victims of the Robb Elementary School shooting in 2022. The report, which aimed to determine if any Uvalde Police Department officers violated department policy during the tragic event, defended the actions of local police but prompted criticism.
Former Uvalde Mayor, Don McLaughlin, who initiated the investigation following the shooting, expressed surprise at the report’s findings. In particular, McLaughlin singled out former Uvalde Lt. Mariano Pargas, the acting police chief at the time, for his alleged failure during the massacre. This sentiment was shared by some family members who attended a City Council presentation where emotions ran high.
The report acknowledged missteps in the response to the shooter but ultimately cleared most officers of wrongdoing. However, a Justice Department report from January criticized six Uvalde police officers, including Pargas, for their inaction during the incident. Pargas retired shortly after the incident, but the independent investigator of the city of Uvalde stated that if Pargas had remained, he would have recommended exoneration.
Despite the conflicting findings, McLaughlin vehemently disagreed with the report’s conclusion exonerating Pargas, stating his belief that Pargas failed as acting chief that day. The 18-year UPD veteran was in charge due to Chief Daniel Rodriguez’s absence on vacation at the time of the shooting and has since been elected as a Uvalde county commissioner.
Families of the victims have voiced concerns over the lack of police leadership during the 77 minutes before the gunman was confronted. Some elected officials criticized for their actions during the shooting, including Uvalde County Sheriff Ruben Nolasco and County Constable Emmanuel Zamora, still hold their positions.
The report also criticized Uvalde County District Attorney, Christina Mitchell, for hindering the investigation by refusing to share reports and evidence from other law enforcement agencies. Mitchell’s actions are blamed for delaying the completion of the report for nearly two years. A criminal investigation into the law enforcement response remains ongoing, with a grand jury being summoned earlier this year. Mitchell could not be reached for comment at the time.