Uvalde Families Reach Settlement with City and County
Uvalde families reach settlement with the city and county of Uvalde, marking a first step towards healing after the Robb Elementary School shooting that claimed the lives of 19 students and two teachers.
Uvalde families reach settlement details
Veronica Luevanos, who lost both her daughter and nephew in the shooting, expressed the lingering pain and lack of accountability: "For two long years, we've suffered in pain without any accountability from the law enforcement agencies and officers who allowed our families to be devastated that day."
Families of Uvalde school shooting victims reach settlement with city, county ahead of 2-year mark https://t.co/I479rcS2qd
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The settlement, announced close to the two-year anniversary of the May 24, 2022, tragedy, acknowledges the failures of law enforcement.
While the city offers financial compensation, the Uvalde families reach settlement also includes crucial commitments aimed at preventing similar tragedies.
Steps towards healing and accountability
The agreement outlines improvements to the Uvalde Police Department, including enhanced officer training and stricter "fitness for duty" standards. The city will establish May 24th as an annual Day of Remembrance, create a committee for a permanent memorial, and offer ongoing mental health services to the community.
"Justice and accountability have always been our main concerns," said Javier Cazares, who lost his daughter in the shooting. "The time has come to do the right thing."
Seeking accountability beyond the settlement
While the Uvalde families reach settlement with the city, their fight for accountability continues. Lawsuits have been filed against 92 officers from the Texas Department of Public Safety, who they believe failed to act during the critical moments of the shooting.
The lawsuit criticizes the officers' lack of response despite training that prioritizes stopping the shooter. "Nearly 100 officers from the Texas Department of Public Safety have yet to face any accountability for cowering in fear while my daughter and nephew bled to death in their classroom," stated Luevanos.
The Uvalde School District and several employees, including the former principal and school district police chief, are also named in the lawsuit. The families argue that the school's lockdown protocols ultimately trapped teachers and students, leaving them vulnerable.
The fight for justice extends beyond state entities. The families plan to sue the federal government as well, citing the inaction of over 150 federal officers present at the scene.
The Uvalde families reach settlement marks a step towards financial security and community healing. However, their relentless pursuit of accountability ensures that the failures of May 24th are not forgotten.
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