A former Uvalde school district police officer has appeared in court this week in Texas, facing criminal charges for his alleged inaction during the devastating 2022 Robb Elementary School shooting that claimed the lives of 19 children and two educators. The trial — a rare prosecution tied to police response during a school massacre — highlights continuing questions about law enforcement accountability and training.
Officer Faces 29 Counts in Rare Legal Case
Adrian Gonzales, 52, is on trial at the Nueces County Courthouse in Corpus Christi after being charged with 29 counts of child abandonment or endangerment. Prosecutors allege Gonzales failed to follow active shooter protocols and did not confront the gunman promptly during the 2022 attack at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas, where a teenage assailant killed 19 students and two teachers.
Gonzales, one of the first officers who arrived on the scene, has pleaded not guilty to all charges. His defense maintains he assisted in evacuating children once locations were known. If convicted, he could face up to two years in jail.
Jury Selection and Venue Change Amid Intense Emotions
Hundreds of potential jurors were screened before a panel was seated to ensure impartiality. The trial was moved from Uvalde to Corpus Christi at the request of the defense, citing concerns that local sentiment about the tragedy could affect fairness.
Prospective witnesses include federal agents, Texas Rangers, school staff, and families of victims. The proceedings are expected to last several weeks, drawing attention from residents still grappling with the aftermath of one of the deadliest school shootings in recent U.S. history.
Broader Debate on Police Responsibility and Response
The rare prosecution underscores broader scrutiny of the delayed law enforcement response on that tragic day, when nearly 400 officers were on site but waited more than an hour before confronting the shooter. Advocates for the victims argue more accountability is needed, while legal experts observe that convictions of officers for inaction are historically difficult.
Former Uvalde schools police chief Pete Arredondo, another first responder, also faces similar charges but has not yet gone to trial.
