Judge orders DPS to release documents related to the Uvalde shooting response.
Press release from the Office of Texas State Senator Roland Gutierrez ; File Photo by Robinson
Austin, Texas – This morning, Texas Senator Roland Gutierrez issued a statement on yesterday’s ruling that the Texas Department of Public Safety must release documents related to the Uvalde massacre, as reported in Texas Tribune. The agency has fought against the release of information about DPS’s response to the public, citing an “ongoing investigation.”
Texas Senator Roland Gutierrez issued the following statement:
“The abject failure that happened on May 24, 2022 will forever be a stain on the State of Texas and the Department of Public Safety. The action and, in many cases, inaction of leadership, law enforcement, and government is beyond shameful. People bled out, because Texas failed them. As the nation gasped in horror, and the people of Uvalde stood in shock, Governor Greg Abbott and Director Steve McCraw launched lie after lie to cover-up their failures.
“The public deserves to know the full truth of what happened in Uvalde. Families deserve to know why there was a lack of leadership and an abundance of cowardice. Texans across the state, and especially those in rural communities, deserve to know why they have been neglected and put in a dangerous environment by politicians. We know that the radios failed, ambulances were boxed in, guns are overflowing in our streets because Texas politicians lack the courage to stop them, and no one gave a damn that an 18-year old repeatedly walked into a gun store and assembled an arsenal. What we already know is grim, but there are still many questions left unanswered.
“I am grateful that journalists have been relentless, using every avenue available to them to uncover the truth. This rogue agency and Governor Abbott cannot be allowed to keep us all in the dark. I hope they do not appeal this decision and respect the court’s deadline of August 31st to start bringing these families, and the people of Texas, the justice, transparency, and accountability they deserve.”
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Roland Gutierrez has served as the Texas State Senator for District 19 since 2021, previously serving six terms as a member of the Texas House of Representatives and two terms as a San Antonio City Councilman.