A federal investigation into the Uvalde school shooting has highlighted several missteps by US Border Patrol agents, yet no disciplinary measures have been recommended.
The report, released Thursday by the US Customs and Border Protection’s Office of Professional Responsibility (CBP OPR), details the challenges faced by agents during the 2022 attack at Robb Elementary School but concludes that no rules were violated.
The shooting, which resulted in the deaths of 19 students and two teachers, was one of the deadliest school attacks in US history. The gunman was inside a classroom for over 70 minutes before Border Patrol agents, part of a larger response team, managed to neutralize him.
According to the report, agents struggled with establishing command and lacked adequate training for such a high-stress situation. It was noted that no clear command structure was established during the incident, leading to confusion and delays in the response. Despite these issues, the report states that CBP personnel did not violate any laws or regulations, and therefore, no disciplinary action is warranted.
The investigation involved reviewing thousands of hours of footage and conducting over 200 interviews. The report underscores the chaotic nature of the scene, with agents reporting difficulties in locating essential resources and tools, such as maps and keys, necessary for accessing critical areas of the school.
Critics, including families of the victims, have expressed disappointment with the findings. Many had hoped the report would hold individuals accountable for the slow response. Jesse Rizo, a member of the Uvalde school board whose niece was among the victims, voiced frustration over the lack of accountability, noting that the investigation’s outcomes have been a series of disappointments for those seeking justice.
The report does recommend several improvements for future responses to similar incidents, including updated training for active shooter situations and better coordination with local authorities. CBP has already begun implementing changes, such as updating training materials and acquiring additional tools to aid in emergency responses.
With input from the Associated Press, CBS News, ABC News, Newsweek.
