The Uvalde School Shooting: A Critical Incident Review

Introduction

The tragic school shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas, on May 24, 2022, claimed the lives of 19 children and two teachers. In response to this devastating event, Attorney General Merrick B. Garland commissioned a critical incident review to thoroughly examine the law enforcement response. Conducted by the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office), the review aimed to provide a comprehensive assessment, identify areas for improvement, and honor the victims and survivors of the tragedy.

Report Findings

The report, released on July 7, 2024, presents a detailed account of the events leading up to, during, and after the shooting. It highlights multiple failures in the law enforcement response, including breakdowns in leadership, decision-making, tactics, policy, and training. The report emphasizes that the responding officers failed to treat the incident as an active shooter situation and did not use available resources and equipment to immediately and continuously engage the shooter. This resulted in a 77-minute delay between the arrival of the first officers and the confrontation and killing of the shooter.

The report also examines the communication challenges during and after the shooting, including the inaccurate narrative initially provided to the public. It documents the trauma and support services that were provided, as well as those that were not, to victims, survivors, family members, and responders.

Key Observations and Recommendations

The report presents a series of observations and recommendations based on national standards, generally accepted practices, current research, and community expectations. These observations and recommendations aim to improve future responses to similar incidents and prevent tragedies like the Uvalde school shooting from happening again.

Leadership and Incident Command:

• Establish clear lines of authority and incident command structures to ensure effective coordination and decision-making during critical incidents.
• Provide comprehensive training for incident commanders and supervisors to enhance their ability to assess situations, make sound decisions, and communicate effectively.

Tactics and Equipment:

• Ensure that law enforcement agencies have the necessary training, equipment, and tactics to effectively respond to active shooter situations.
• Emphasize the importance of immediately engaging and neutralizing active shooters to minimize casualties and prevent further harm.

Communications:

• Develop and implement clear and concise communication plans to ensure accurate and timely information is shared among responding agencies, officials, and the public.
• Establish protocols for coordinating communication between law enforcement, emergency medical services, and other relevant agencies during critical incidents.

Trauma and Support Services:

• Provide comprehensive trauma and support services to victims, survivors, family members, and responders in the immediate aftermath of critical incidents and throughout the recovery process.
• Ensure that these services are culturally and linguistically appropriate and address the unique needs of affected individuals and communities.

School Safety and Security:

• Conduct thorough and regular security assessments of schools to identify vulnerabilities and implement appropriate safety measures.
• Develop and implement comprehensive school safety plans that include active shooter response protocols, lockdown procedures, and drills.

Pre-Incident Planning and Preparation:

• Engage in regular training and exercises to prepare for active shooter and other critical incidents.
• Develop and maintain partnerships with local law enforcement agencies, schools, and community organizations to enhance preparedness and response capabilities.

Conclusion

The critical incident review of the Uvalde school shooting provides a comprehensive analysis of the law enforcement response and identifies areas for improvement. The report’s observations and recommendations aim to enhance future responses to similar incidents, prevent tragedies, and honor the victims and survivors of the Robb Elementary School shooting.

Full Report

The full report, available in both English and Spanish, can be accessed on the COPS Office website at cops.usdoj.gov/uvalde. The report includes profiles of the victims and additional resources for those seeking support and assistance.

Avoiding Triggers

The report contains detailed explanations of the mass casualty incident, including the age of the victims. Readers who may find these descriptions activating or triggering are advised to exercise caution. For resources and support, please visit www.988lifeline.org or call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.