Texas Ranger Reinstated After Uvalde School Shooting Response Criticism, Families of Victims Disappointed

The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) has reinstated a Texas Ranger previously fired in connection with the Uvalde school shooting response. As reported by the Texas Tribune, Ranger Christopher Ryan Kindell had been under suspension since an initial decision to terminate his employment in January 2023, following criticisms of law enforcement's handling of the Robb Elementary School tragedy that left 19 children and two teachers dead.

DPS Director Steve McCraw announced Kindell's reinstatement, which was made subsequent to the completion of both a criminal investigation by the Texas Rangers and a request from Uvalde County District Attorney Christina Mitchell. In a statement, Mitchell explained her request by highlighting Kindell's lengthy service in Uvalde County, stating that "Ranger Kindell has worked diligently to serve the citizens of Uvalde County for approximately seven years and has been the lead investigator on several complicated cases, from child sexual abuse to murder cases." Despite the reinstatement and Mitchell's praise, families of the shooting victims expressed their frustration on social media.

The Austin American-Statesman first reported Kindell's return to duty, with Director McCraw justifying his decision as based on the Texas Ranger's criminal investigation findings, and internal reviews along with, the Uvalde Grand Jury's feedback. The grand jury, which reviewed law enforcement conduct at the shooting, indicted two former Uvalde school police officers on child endangerment charges – but no DPS officers, including Kindell, faced criminal charges.

The Texas Tribune also confirmed that McCraw, who notably criticized the response of local officers to the shooting, was among those who testified before the grand jury. Kindell's specific involvement during the shooting has been a subject of some confusion, with various reports placing him in different roles ranging from an attempt at negotiation with the gunman to delivering keys crucial to law enforcement's entry into the classroom where the gunman was located.

Financially, Kindell has been receiving his annual salary of nearly $100,000 throughout his suspension. Brett Cross, who lost his son in the shooting, gave voice to the continued disappointment and anger felt by many victims' families, saying on social media, "Not only is it sick and disgusting that he is reinstated…..Our fucking D.A. REQUESTED IT! How much lower will any of these people go to spit on our faces!?!?" The reinstatement concludes the disciplinary actions for DPS officers involved in the Uvalde response, as another officer facing termination chose to retire, and another retired before investigations concluded. Four other DPS officers under scrutiny were eventually cleared of misconduct.