The City of Uvalde is bracing for the release of an internal investigation's findings into the actions of local law enforcement during the Robb Elementary School shooting. After a 19-month probe, Austin-based investigator Jesse Prado is scheduled to present the report to the Uvalde City Council on Thursday. The city's pursuit of clarity was previously slowed down when they had to sue Uvalde County District Attorney Christina Mitchell for allegedly withholding essential information from the investigation. This lawsuit, initiated last year, claimed Mitchell's office was blocking Prado's access to requested details – a move the city argued was impeding the timely conclusion of the inquiry.
It was supposed to take only 60 to 90 days, but delays have plagued Prado's investigation, which was commissioned by then-Mayor Don McLaughlin shortly after the Texas House Committee shared its findings in July 2022. The status of the investigation lingered in uncertainty for months, until the City of Uvalde announced in January this year that the results were expected soon. The meeting, detailed by KENS5, will also allow the public to respond to the findings, provided they have registered in advance to speak.
The Texas community has been grappling to understand the series of failed responses by law enforcement officers that took place during the tragic event on May 24, 2022, when 19 students and two teachers were fatally shot. Prado's focus has been notably centered on the Uvalde Police Department, specifically on Lt. Mariano Pargas, who was acting police chief on that fateful day. The investigation digs into the conjugated efforts—or lack thereof—of different law enforcement bodies, including Uvalde school police and state troopers.
The City Council's agenda hints at a potential decision to waive attorney-client privilege regarding the contents of Prado's report. If passed, this could allow the public to fully grasp the scope of his findings. In statements reported by KSAT, the City of Uvalde reaffirmed its commitment to do everything in our power to ensure our law enforcement officials have the resources and training they need to keep the people of Uvalde safe.
