Former Uvalde school district police chief Pete Arredondo recently spoke out for the first time about the tragic events that took place during the 2022 mass shooting at Robb Elementary School.
REMEMBERING UVALDE
In the shooting, 19 children and two teachers were killed after a gunman entered their school and began opening fire.
Arredondo, along with other officers, reportedly waited 77 minutes after being first alerted to confront the gunman.
Since then, Arredondo has been a central figure in the scrutiny and outrage surrounding the police response to the incident.
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The interview, conducted by CNN’s Ed Lavandera, marks the first time Arredondo has publicly discussed his thoughts and actions during the deadliest school shooting in Texas history. The families of the victims have been waiting to hear from Arredondo, seeking answers and accountability for the delayed police response.
Back in June this year, Arredondo and a former school police officer were the first law enforcement members to face criminal charges in connection with the shooting. The charges have brought a renewed focus on the decisions made that day and have intensified the calls for justice from the grieving community.
“Do you feel you are being singled out, scapegoated?” Lavandera asked the former police chief.
“By all means, since the very beginning sir. I’ve been scapegoated from the very beginning,” Arredondo said.
During the interview, Arredondo and his lawyer addressed the upcoming trial, revealing that they are inclined to keep it in Uvalde. Despite the intense local emotions, they believe it is important for the public to hear Arredondo’s perspective directly.
CNN reporters reached out to the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) for comment on the situation but have not yet received a response.
The DPS has also faced criticism for its role in the response to the shooting, adding to the complexity of the case.
As the trial approaches, the Uvalde community remains focused on obtaining clarity and justice for those who lost their lives.