Uvalde, Texas – Families who lost loved ones in the tragic 2022 shooting at Robb Elementary School have settled for $2 million with the city of Uvalde, Texas. This settlement comes nearly two years after an 18-year-old gunman took the lives of 19 children and two teachers in a school shooting that raised questions about law enforcement’s response. The families also announced plans to sue 92 Texas state police officers over the incident.
The $2 million settlement was determined to be the maximum amount the city could afford from its insurance, according to attorney Josh Koskoff, speaking at a recent news conference. The families expressed no interest in pursuing further legal action that could financially burden the city and its residents. The city has committed to reevaluating and enhancing its police training and standards, in addition to establishing a day of remembrance, funding a permanent memorial for the victims, and maintaining the victims’ cemetery.
Koskoff also mentioned the families’ intention to pursue legal action against all 92 state officers involved in the shooting. Forbes has reached out to the Texas Department of Public Safety for comment on this matter. A federal report released earlier this year highlighted various failures in the response to the Uvalde shooting, most notably the failure of law enforcement to treat the situation as an active shooter scenario upon arrival at the scene. Survivors and families of victims had previously filed a class action lawsuit seeking $27 billion in damages from multiple entities, including law enforcement agencies, the school district, and the city.
During the news conference, Koskoff underscored the disproportionate ratio of 376 police officers to 1 shooter, emphasizing the missed opportunity for effective intervention. Former police chief Joshua Gutierrez of the Uvalde Consolidated Independent School District recently announced his resignation, having taken over the position following the dismissal of former chief Pete Arredondo in the aftermath of the shooting.
In light of these ongoing legal developments, the Uvalde community continues to grapple with the lasting impact of the tragic events that unfolded at Robb Elementary School.