National media and international media were both inside the Harrell Auditorium and outside the auditorium as the press conference began at 12:30 on Wednesday, May 25th. Texas Governor Greg Abbott sat Center Stage next to Texas Lt. Governor Dan Patrick with Texas US Senator Ted Cruz standing behind the Governor. They were flanked on both sides by State and Local officials including Uvalde County Judge Bill Mitchell, Texas Senator Tracy King, and Uvalde Mayor Don McLaughlin and officials from US Border Patrol and Texas State Police.
The security to the event was somewhat tight as press passes were checked at the entrance to the parking lot and at the Harrell Auditorium front doors.
Inside the auditorium there were over 100 reporters, many seated. There were a row of large TV Cameras set up on tripods on the floor space between the front and rear seating areas.
Following remarks given by Governor Abbott, shortly after Lt. Governor Dan Patrick was introduced and a tall figure approached the stage standing right below the assembly of dignitaries. Democratic Candidate Beto O’Rourke stood staring at Governor Abbott shouting at him.
The seated reporters stood up as O’Rourke started shouting at Governor Patrick. O’Rourke said a few words to the stunned assembly. US. Senator Ted Cruz was the first to speak saying, “Sit down! You’re out of line!”
“Let him talk! Let him talk!” a woman shouted from the audience.
Uvalde Mayor Don McLaughlin stood up and yelled, “Sir, You are out of line! You are out of line!”
Another voice from the audience yelled, “Go Home! Go Home!”
Law enforcement and the media converged on O’Rourke Mayor McLaughlin shouted at O’Rourke,” I can’t believe you sick son of a bitch…” the next words of McLaughlin were unclear but it sounded like he said “making this political,” O’Rourke was escorted out of the auditorium part way but started walking out on his own.
Such was a spectacle outside of the typical norm for Uvalde.
Governor Abbott spoke about the need for Mental Health Treatment and facilities and then later said the shooter was evil. A reporter followed by asking, “Was the shooter mentally ill or evil?” Abbott repeated his statement that the shooter was indeed evil but mental illness may have led him to this evil.
After the press conference ended, the press were asked to exit the auditorium.
For a good 45 minutes, dozens of reporters waited but aside from a few interviews being conducted most of the news personnel left.
One news reporter encountered had just arrived from the UK traveling a long distance to get to Uvalde but arrived too late for the press conference.
