LULAC SAYS ONLY THE FAMILIES OF VICTIMS FROM THE UVALDE SHOOTING WILL DETERMINE WHETHER JUSTICE HAS BEEN SERVED BY FEDERAL INVESTIGATION
Nation's Oldest and Largest Latino Civil Rights Organization Says 600-Page Report Fails to Find Criminal Accountability in Mass Shooting that Claimed 21 Lives
January 18, 2024
Contact David Cruz - (818) 689-9991
davidcruz@lulac.org
Uvalde, Texas – January 18, 2024 – The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) expresses its deep concern and disappointment in the findings of the 600-page Report released by the Justice Department regarding the law enforcement response to the tragic school shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas, on May 24, 2022.
In a statement, Domingo Garcia, LULAC national president, conveyed the organization's disappointment, saying, "LULAC is disappointed that federal investigators have failed to address the criminal accountability for the tragedy at Robb Elementary. Nineteen children and two teachers died, mostly Latino, and not one person is facing criminal charges yet. How can that be when this report affirms much of what we have known for the past 20 months." Garcia continued, "Law enforcement failed to act quickly and decisively and to do its job of protecting the community. Instead, we are left with more questions about when or whether even one person will ever face the consequences for criminal negligence or dereliction of their sworn duty. Ultimately, only the families of Uvalde can say if they believe justice has been served."
Javier Cazares, LULAC council president in Uvalde and a grieving father whose 9-year-old daughter, Jacklyn Cazares, was among the victims, emphasized the significance of the Report as a step in a longer process. "What this Report does is confirm many of the most important failures that happened before, during, and after this tragedy. I am focused on still sharing my daughter's story and look forward to what the District Attorney investigation and others will bring out. This report is by no means the end. We must still make sure that everyone connected to the events of that day, including city leaders and others, are held accountable."
The Justice Department's report, released today, aimed to assess the law enforcement response to the tragic incident comprehensively. Attorney General Merrick B. Garland initiated the review shortly after the tragedy, acknowledging the gravity of the situation in which 19 children and two teachers lost their lives. The 600-page report meticulously reconstructs a minute-by-minute timeline of critical events before, during, and immediately following the shooting. While addressing numerous unanswered questions, the report also highlights generally accepted practices for effective law enforcement responses to incidents of mass violence. It endeavors to honor the victims and survivors of the tragedy and offers recommendations to improve future responses in other communities.
However, despite the comprehensive nature of the report, LULAC remains dissatisfied with the lack of criminal accountability identified within its pages. The organization stands firm in its commitment to supporting the families of Uvalde and will continue to advocate for justice in the face of this devastating tragedy.
"LULAC will continue to stand with the families of Uvalde as we had from the start when we raised $2 million for them from people across America and Puerto Rico. We will not stop asking when will full and final justice comes for those who lost their loved ones!" exclaimed Garcia.
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