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- Uvalde families reach settlement, can ‘begin rebuilding trust’ (newsbreak.com)
Nineteen families affected by the tragic mass shooting in Uvalde, Texas, have successfully negotiated a settlement with both the city and county of Uvalde. The settlement comes nearly two years after the horrific event at Robb Elementary School that resulted in the death of 19 students and two teachers.
Veronica Luevanos, who lost her daughter Jailah and nephew Jayce in the massacre, expressed that the settlement marks the beginning of a rebuilding process for trust in the law enforcement agencies, criticizing the delay and lack of accountability from the authorities involved in the response to the shooting.
The agreement is timed as the second anniversary of the May 24, 2022, shooting approaches. Despite the arrival of police and federal agents, including U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Texas Department of Public Safety, on the scene, there was a significant delay of 77 minutes before officers intervened and killed the 18-year-old gunman.
Josh Koskoff, representing the families, highlighted the absence of disciplinary actions against the 26 Uvalde Police Department officers who hesitated to confront the gunman. He emphasized that while the settlement is a step towards healing, the families continue to seek transparency and disciplinary action.
The settlement includes initiatives to improve the Uvalde Police Department, such as better training and a new fitness standard for duty. It also mandates community support efforts like establishing an annual Day of Remembrance, creating a permanent memorial funded by the city, and continued mental health services support.
During a news conference, Javier Cazares, whose daughter Jackie was among the victims, underscored the importance of justice and accountability. The city has agreed to a $2 million payment to the families, funded by insurance, to avoid financial turmoil for the city.
Attorney Koskoff added that the families, deeply rooted in their community, seek healing and reconciliation, even extending understanding to those in law enforcement. The city has expressed gratitude to the victims’ families for promoting healing and honor for the lost lives.
Additionally, the families announced lawsuits against 92 Texas Department of Public Safety officers for their failure to act promptly during the tragedy. Luevanos criticized the lack of accountability for these officers whose inaction resulted in further harm to victims. The lawsuits also target the Uvalde School District and other responsible officials for inadequate lockdown protocols that failed to protect the teachers and children effectively.
The families are prepared to extend their legal actions to include the federal government, criticizing the inaction of over 150 federal officers present during the crisis.
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- Uvalde families reach settlement, can ‘begin rebuilding trust’ (newsbreak.com)