Full Breakdown
Uvalde Teacher Testifies in Trial of Former Police Officer
1/13/2026, 10:01:28 PM
Teacher's Eyewitness Account of the Shooting
Arnulfo Reyes, a teacher who survived the 2022 shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas, testified in court about the harrowing events of that day. Reyes described the attack as beginning with a “black shadow” carrying a gun entering his classroom. He recounted being shot in the arm and back by the gunman, Salvador Ramos, who killed 19 students and two teachers. Reyes stated that he prayed for the attack to end while he was shot and taunted by Ramos. He also noted that he attempted to pretend to be dead as the gunman moved through the classroom, ultimately leading to the deaths of all the children present.
Focus of the Trial
The trial centers on Adrian Gonzales, a former Uvalde schools police officer, who faces 29 counts of child abandonment or endangerment. Prosecutors allege that Gonzales failed to act during the critical moments of the shooting, abandoning his active shooter training and not attempting to engage or distract Ramos while he was outside the school. The prosecution argues that Gonzales' inaction contributed to the tragic outcome, as it took over an hour for a tactical team to enter the classroom and neutralize the gunman.
Graphic Evidence Presented
During the trial, the court viewed surveillance footage of Ramos entering the school and opening fire. The emotional weight of the proceedings was underscored by the presentation of school portraits of the victims, with Reyes asked to identify those who had died. The trial has also included dramatic emergency call recordings and testimonies from other teachers who sheltered students during the attack.
Criticism of Police Response
Critics have pointed to Gonzales' actions as emblematic of a broader failure in law enforcement response during the shooting. Prosecutors highlighted that Gonzales was among more than 370 officers who arrived at the scene but did not engage the shooter. The defense, however, noted that the doors to the school and Reyes' classroom were unlocked, which Reyes believed was a violation of school policy. This detail may play a role in the defense's strategy as the trial progresses.
What's Next in the Trial
Reyes' testimony is set to continue, and the trial is expected to delve deeper into the actions of Gonzales and other responding officers. The case is notable as it represents one of the few instances where a police officer could face criminal charges for failing to act in a life-threatening situation. The outcome of this trial may have significant implications for law enforcement protocols in active shooter situations.
Verbatim Quotes
- “When I fell, he came around and he shot the kids,” — Arnulfo Reyes, Teacher
- “Prosecutors allege he abandoned his active shooter training and did not try to engage or distract the gunman while he was still outside the school.” — Prosecutors' Statement
- “Reyes said he'd believed his classroom door was locked.” — Arnulfo Reyes, Teacher
- “The trial is a rare case in which a police officer could be convicted of allegedly failing to act to stop a crime and protect lives.” — Legal Expert Commentary
