The Uvalde police have been subject to harsh criticism based on their handling of the school shooting at Robb Elementary school that claimed the lives of nineteen children and two teachers.

Videos from social media and firsthand accounts of the tragic scene described police officers who actively restrained panicked parents attempting to rescue their children. In contrast, police stood idly by for over an hour while 18-year-old Salvador Ramos was on a violent rampage inside the school.

As more details continue to come out about the shooting, it was revealed that Uvalde Independent School District Police Chief Pete Arredondo gave police the order to stand down.  He claims to have believed that everyone inside the classroom was already dead despite 911 dispatchers getting calls from children inside the building.

In a bizarre move that has already left many people outraged, Arredondo was sworn in as a city council member last night behind closed doors.

Uvalde Mayor Don McLaughlin gave a brief explanation of the decision that has left many puzzled.

ABC News Reports

Border Patrol agents outside Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas

“Uvalde Consolidated Independent School District Police Chief Pete Arredondo was sworn in as a city council member Tuesday night.

Uvalde Mayor Don McLaughlin said members were sworn in per the city’s charter.

“Out of respect for the families who buried their children today, and who are planning to bury their children in the next few days, no ceremony was held,” he said in a statement obtained by ABC News Austin affiliate KVUE.

“Our parents deserve answers and I trust the Texas Department of Public Safety/Texas Rangers will leave no stone unturned,” McLaughlin continued. “Our emotions are raw, and hearts are broken, and words are sometimes exchanged because of those emotions.”

Join The Conversation. Leave a Comment.


We have no tolerance for comments containing violence, racism, profanity, vulgarity, doxing, or discourteous behavior. If a comment is spam, instead of replying to it please click the ∨ icon below and to the right of that comment. Thank you for partnering with us to maintain fruitful conversation.