Adrian Gonzales, a former Uvalde school police officer, faces trial for his actions during the Robb Elementary School shooting in May 2022, which claimed 19 children and two teachers. New reports reveal that Gonzales arrived at the school minutes before the gunman entered, raising questions about critical moments that could have prevented the tragedy.
First Minutes at Robb Elementary
Gonzales was the first officer to reach the school. A teacher quickly told him what the shooter looked like and the direction he was heading. Seconds later, gunshots rang out from the parking lot—almost a minute before the gunman entered the building.
Despite being armed and nearby, Gonzales did not fire. He later told investigators that he had “tunnel vision” on a coach who had fallen in the parking lot. “I locked in on her; that was my mistake,” he admitted.
Charges and Defense
Gonzales faces 29 counts of child endangerment and abandonment. His attorney, Nico LaHood, maintains that Gonzales is innocent and plans to challenge the government’s evidence. The trial, in Corpus Christi, will examine whether his decisions during those first critical moments contributed to the deaths.
Response During the Shooting
Body camera footage and radio transcripts show Gonzales waiting for backup before entering the school. He positioned himself near the fourth-grade wing, directing arriving officers toward the shooter. Gonzales also helped evacuate students through windows and secure doors after classrooms were cleared.
Nearly 400 officers responded to Robb Elementary that day. The gunman remained inside for 77 minutes before being stopped. Gonzales repeatedly called for units to provide cover and stayed cautious while assessing the situation.
Impact on Families and Survivors
The trial reopens painful memories for families and survivors. Amy Marin-Franco, a survivor who made multiple 911 calls, is expected to testify. Teachers and responders will also share their accounts of the chaotic first minutes before the shooter entered the classrooms.
For Uvalde residents, the massacre remains a devastating reminder of lives lost and unanswered questions. The trial is expected to shed light on Gonzales’ actions and the broader law enforcement response that drew widespread criticism.
A Case That Could Set a Precedent
Gonzales’ trial is only the second in U.S. history where a school officer faces criminal charges for failing to act during a shooting. The first involved Scot Peterson, the Parkland officer who stayed outside during the 2018 Marjory Stoneman Douglas attack. Experts say the outcome could influence future accountability for school police officers in active-shooter situations.
As the trial unfolds, families and the public will be watching closely, hoping for answers about the critical first minutes and whether the tragedy could have been mitigated.
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