A recent investigation into the response of Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the tragic Uvalde school shooting revealed significant shortcomings in their training and command structure. The officers reportedly struggled to understand who was in charge during the incident, which left many families feeling disappointed and “let down” by the findings.
According to the report, released on Thursday, no disciplinary actions were recommended against CBP agents, despite widespread criticism of their actions during the May 2022 shooting. The attack resulted in the tragic deaths of 19 students and two teachers at Robb Elementary School.
The gunman remained in the classroom for over 70 minutes before a tactical team entered and eliminated the threat. A Border Patrol agent on scene described the chaotic situation as “mass confusion,” highlighting the lack of a clear command or control structure among the responding officers.
Allison Dinner/Getty
The extensive report, nearly 200 pages long, concluded that the absence of an established incident command led to delays and inaction that could have worsened the situation. This was the largest response from CBP in comparison to other law enforcement agencies during the incident.
In response to the tragedy, the families of the victims reached a $2 million settlement with Uvalde authorities in May, which included a commitment to reform the local police department.
CBP Senior Official Troy A. Miller expressed deep sympathy for the loss of life, underscoring the agency’s commitment to providing better training and support for officers in critical situations.
This investigation, driven by the Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR) within CBP, involved reviewing extensive footage and interviewing over 200 individuals. While no officers were found to have violated any policies or laws during the response, many relatives, like Jesse Rizo, who lost his niece, expressed sorrow and frustration at the lack of accountability.
CHANDAN KHANNA/Getty Images
“We’ve been anticipating certain outcomes from these investigations, but it’s been one letdown after another,” Rizo remarked, echoing the sentiments of many families searching for closure and accountability.