Testimonies presented by Robb Teacher Arnulfo Reyes and parents of the children killed at the Robb School massacre were filled with a mix of raw emotions as experiences recounted during the massacre and days and weeks following the massacre. Panels described the PTSD and difficulties facing each day struggling to apply for unemployment and paperwork required to access relief funds as well as the challenges of just facing each new day.
U.S. House of Representatives Sheila Jackson Lee and Juaquin Castro who are members of the Congressional Children’s Caucus led the listening session and came to Uvalde in an effort to learn what Federal actions and legislative actions are needed and recommended by the families and others impacted by the April 24th, 2022 Robb School Massacre.
“We came because we care.” Jackson Lee said.
“The entire nation continues to grieve for Uvalde. We share your pain but it is not the pain you have.” Jackson Lee said as part of her opening remarks.
Mr. Arnulfo Reyes was asked by Jackson Lee what those 77 minutes were like.
“It’s the longest in my life. The students asked, ‘What’s going on Mr. Reyes?’” I could see the sparks coming out of the gun.
He then sat at my desk dropping metal objects. He sat there and taunted me. He splattered my blood on me. He put my phone on my back. As I layered there for a while he shot me in my back . I guess he wanted to be sure I was dead. He shot her. No one came into the room until after 77 mins.”
During the quiet times they weren’t talking to him, I felt like I was abandoned. I heard all the gunshots.“
Jackson Lee then asked him, ” What do you think this has done to teachers and the profession?
Reyes answered, “We already have a shortage of teachers. My district doesn’t even call to check up on me.”
Congressman Castro then asked the panel of the parents and Teacher Arnulfo Reyes,
“What were you told by officers outside of the school?”
“A Uvalde’s PD officer told me none was hurt . He said he was told it was a barricaded subject. ” one parent said
The parent went on to say, “An officer said they had it under control and to “Trust us.”
The subject of the Compassion Fund was brought up.
“There is a lot of money out there but we aren’t getting it,” Javier Cazaras said.
Representative Castro then asked,” What other resource what other things do you need?”
“You can’t help us. We just want a federal ban on assault weapons,” Kimberly Rubio said.
Another parent answered, “Police training”
Cazares then continued by saying, ” Regarding safety. The doors, the same locks, the same doors.
All the district Uvalde CISD can talk about is we’re going to get out of debt.”
During her closing remarks, Jackson Lee stated that their task is set as the go back to Congress.
State Senator Roland Gutierrez also spoke before Representatives Jackson Lee and Castro. He spoke about the difficulties he experiences getting answers about the investigation from the Texas Department of Public Safety officials.
