The trial of a former police officer from Uvalde, Texas, accused of failing to act during a 2022 school shooting that resulted in 21 fatalities, has been paused after a significant witness altered their testimony.
Adrian Gonzalez, facing 29 counts of child endangerment, has pleaded not guilty. If found guilty, he could face a two-year prison term, according to prosecutors.
During the trial, former teacher Stephanie Hale testified that she spotted the shooter on the south side of the school, where Gonzalez was located. However, the defense objected, stating that her current testimony contradicted earlier statements she made during the 2022 investigation, where she had placed the shooter closer to Gonzalez.
The jury has been dismissed until Thursday while lawyers prepare to argue over the implications of Hale’s testimony. The judge is set to rule on this matter on Wednesday, amid concerns raised by the defense about potential injustices.
Gonzalez arrived at Robb Elementary School shortly after the shooting began. Special Prosecutor Bill Turner stated during the trial’s opening that the officers failed to act, even after being directed to the shooter’s location by Hale.
Turner noted that it took several minutes before officers entered the school “for the first time since the incident started.” He also highlighted Gonzalez’s extensive training in active shooter scenarios, emphasizing, “When you hear a gunshot, you go open fire.”
According to the indictment, Gonzalez allegedly put the children in “imminent danger” by not confronting the shooter, failing to respond appropriately, and disregarding his training. He reportedly did not approach the sound of gunfire, despite being made aware of the shooter’s position.
Gonzalez’s legal representation pushed back against the claims, arguing that he was actively aiding in evacuating students amidst the chaos as more police arrived.
Defense attorney Nico Lahoud addressed the narrative from the prosecution, stating, “The government wants to make it look like he was just sitting there. He did the best he could with what he knew at the time.”
