Press Conference Archives - Uvalde Hesperian

Final Funding Secured for New Legacy Elementary School according to Uvalde CISD Moving Forward Foundation

admin — Tue, 08 Apr 2025 22:27:34 +0000

Photos by Michael Robinson

Executive Director Tim Miller with the Uvalde CISD Moving Forward Foundation spoke at a press conference on Tuesday morning, April 8th at the new Legacy Elementary construction site.

Press Release from Uvalde CISD Moving Forward Foundation

UVALDE, TX (April 8, 2025) With the construction of the new Legacy Elementary School in Uvalde CISD moving closer and closer to completion, the Uvalde CISD Moving Forward Foundation announces that the costs of the physical building and its construction are fully funded.
This announcement is a result of a combined investment of $21 million from Chase,
Empowerment Reinvestment Fund, National Community Investment Fund, and Nonprofit
Finance Fund. The investments were made through New Markets Tax Credits (NMTCs), a
federal program designed to encourage private investment in underserved areas.

“At Chase, supporting impactful projects such as Legacy Elementary School through New
Markets Tax Credit equity is at the heart of our mission and we are grateful for the opportunity to
collaborate with the Uvalde CISD Moving Forward Foundation,” said Melissa Pillars, Executive
Director of the New Markets Tax Credit team. “Making the New Markets Tax Credit permanent
is crucial for sustaining support for transformative projects like this, ensuring that communities
continue to thrive and grow. We eagerly anticipate the day when the building becomes a
nurturing space that fosters learning and community spirit for its students.”

The net benefit from the investment is $3.6 million toward the building of the elementary school.
All of the funds invested through NMTCs are being utilized for the physical construction of the
new school and a portion of the furniture, fixtures, and equipment.
“We are proud to be part of this community-driven effort to support Uvalde families with a new
school,” said Onika Lewis, Vice President of New Markets Tax Credits at Nonprofit Finance
Fund. “It is a powerful example of diverse capital sources coming together to quickly and
thoughtfully construct this critical landmark.”

Other investors agree with the significance of the project and the investment:
“Empowerment Reinvestment Fund is proud to be a partner and investor in this incredible
project which will provide the children in Uvalde with a safe place to learn and grow,” said
Monica Edwards, SVP – National Director of NMTC for Empowerment Reinvestment Fund.

“This project goes beyond providing funding for a new building; it’s about making a tremendous
impact in the lives of the children and families in the Uvalde Community.”

“This project reflects the power of community-driven investment in places that need it most.
We’re proud to support Uvalde CISD and the Moving Forward Foundation in bringing this
school to life—one designed not only for learning, but for healing, equity, and long-term
opportunity,” said Kyle Harvey, Senior Vice President of Lending and New Markets Tax Credit at
the National Community Investment Fund.

An initial round of investment through NMTCs to the Legacy Elementary School project was
made in December. That round totaled a combined investment of $24.5 million made by Chase,
Prestamos CDFI, a division of Chicanos Por La Causa (CPLC), and Raza Development Fund.
“The collaboration and capital investment in this new school has been more than just rebuilding.
It’s about resilience and community-grounded private-public partnerships to ensure that every
child has a safe place to learn and grow. At Prestamos CDFI, a mission-driven lender, we believe
that access to high-quality education is fundamental to every community” said Teresa Miranda,
Senior Vice President, Prestamos CDFI, a division of CPLC. “Our staff at the nearby early
childhood education center were impacted by the tragedy. This investment represents our continued
commitment to helping our Uvalde community continue to move forward with strength, provide
students, educators, and families with the resources they need to heal and succeed.”

This round netted $4.2 million to the construction of Legacy Elementary School.
“It is an honor to support the Uvalde community in bringing this vital project to life,” said Annie
Donovan, President & CEO of RDF. “This effort goes far beyond constructing a new
school—it’s about investing in healing, resilience, and the long-term prosperity of Uvalde and
communities like it. We are proud to walk alongside the people of Uvalde, helping to create a
space where a new generation of children can feel safe, learn, grow, and thrive.”

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U.S. Department of Justice Merrick B. Garland “There was an epic lack of leadership”

admin — Fri, 19 Jan 2024 18:16:44 +0000

Veronica Mata speaks folloiwing the DOJ Report press conference outside of the Herby Ham Activity Center

by Michael Robinson | Uvalde Hesperian

The national media returned to Uvalde in numbers reminiscent of the days immediately following the May 24th, 2022 Robb School tragedy to cover the U.S. Department of Justice release of its Critical Incident Report on the law enforcement agencies response as well official communications and reports of the event.

Prior to the Official DOJ Press Conference, Texas State Senator Roland Gutierrez held a press conference on the Uvalde Downtown Plaza at 10 AM.

Gutierrez took the opportunity to blast the Texas DPS actions at Robb Elementary School as well as level criticism against Texas DPS Chief Steve McCraw.

An official press conference was held inside the Weber Auditorium at the Herby Ham Activity Center at 11 AM on Thursday morning. The press conference was originally scheduled for 1:30 PM but officials changed the time to just an hour or two before 11 AM. Prior to the DOJ press conference where U.S. Department of Justice Attorney General Secretary Merrick Garland spoke to a nearly full room of mostly reporters and also some citizens who attended the event. Following Garland’s remarks, Associate Attorney General Vanita Gupta addressed the press from the official podium. Gupta was followed by Director Hugh T. Clements, Jr. of the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office) who also spoke.

The Uvalde Hesperian did not receive official word about the press conference time or location until an hour before the start time which originally was scheduled for 1:30 PM A source informed the Uvalde Hesperian about 8:30 AM Friday morning a large number of media was seen gathered outside the Herby Ham Activity Center. When Hesperian called and spoke to the Center Director Amy Coleman and asked what was happening, she said, “I cannot tell you.”

Texas State Senator Roland Gutierrez speaks on the Uvalde Plaza at 10 AM before the DOJ Press Conference

According to a Facebook comment by Uvalde City Councilman Chip King, the DOJ press conference was not open to the public. However, inside the Weber Auditorium, there were seats available for the public behind the seats reserved for the press.

In his opening remarks, Garland said, “Last night, I met with some of the survivors and the loved ones of the victims of the horrific mass shooting at Robb Elementary School. I came here to tell them that the United States Department of Justice has finished its Critical Incident Review.

In undertaking this review at the request of the then-mayor, the Justice Department committed to using our expertise and independence to assess the law enforcement response to the shooting, and to provide guidance moving forward.

As I told families and survivors last night, the Department’s review concluded that a series of major failures — failures in leadership, in tactics, in communication, and in training and preparedness — were made by law enforcement leaders and other officials responding to the mass shooting at Robb Elementary.”

See official transcript of Attorney General Merrick Garland’s speech here.

He continued saying ” And I told the families gathered last night what I hope is clear among the hundreds of pages and thousands of details in this report: their loved ones deserved better.

The law enforcement response at Robb Elementary School on May 24, 2022 — and in the hours and days after — was a failure that should not have happened.”

National Media assemble before the DOJ Press Conference

Following the official DOJ Press Conference, another impromptu press conference occurred outside of the Herby Ham Activity Center under the covered driveway outside of the main entrance where several Robb victims family members spoke to the press expressing their anger and frustration about the failures of law enforcement officials on May 24th, 2024.

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Roland Gutierrez responds to anticipated release of Department of Justice report on Uvalde Shooting

admin — Thu, 18 Jan 2024 15:11:07 +0000

P ress Release from Senator Roland Gutierrez

UVALDE, TEXAS – Roland Gutierrez will hold press availability THURSDAY at 10:00 AM CT ahead of the anticipated release of the Department of Justice’s new report that investigates the Texas Department of Public Safety’s failed response to the May 24th, 2022, Robb Elementary Shooting and the State of Texas’ cover up.

The Department of Justice will release a detailed, independent report on the law enforcement response to the May, 24, 2022 massacre and the failures of law enforcement on that day.

Uvalde State Senator Roland Gutierrez

Roland Gutierrez to Respond to US Department of Justice Report on Uvalde Shooting Failed Response

Thursday, January 18th, 2023; 10:00 AM CT

Uvalde Town Square, 106 W Roberts Ln, Uvalde, TX 78801

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21 Individual Roses

admin — Wed, 24 May 2023 13:00:37 +0000

Jennifer Gilliland

21 individual roses were placed in front of the Commissioners Court Monday and the names read of the angels lost on May 24,2022; Nevaeh, Jackie, Jose, Ellie, Irma, Uziyah, Amarie, Xavier, Jayce, Tess, Maranda, Eva, Alithea, Annabell, Lexi, Maite, Layla, MaKenna, Jailah, Elihanna, and Rojelio. The County Clerk received training and funding to migrate to online services meaning that citizens could retrieve vital documents online in the future. Again, Commissioner Pargas was absent, but remains on the payroll which is a slap in the face to the 21 families and the survivors of May 24th. Javier Cazares and Belinda Arreola confronted the commissioners on this issue.

Later that day, the City held a press conference requesting privacy for the families as well as the community during this week. A lot of questions were raised about the ongoing investigation and still no answers or accountability from District Attorney Christina Mitchell. The frustration is visible and palpable with everyone involved. Additionally, the demolition of Robb is held up by the investigation.

My anger and frustration still remains due to the lack of action, accountability, and change. I sent a text to Arnie that horrible day and I never had a response back. Looking back, I am not sure I would have messaged him knowing what I know now.16 others survived the 24th, but their lives are changed forever along with the 21 families, and the teacher and students from Robb Elementary

I know there are some in the community that wish this all would go away and move on. Perhaps you would feel differently if it was your wife, mom, dad, daughter, son, sister, brother, relative, or friend. I can guarantee that the 21 families, survivors, teachers and students will always wish the 24th was just a horrible nightmare. Unfortunately, it’s not, the healing will happen through love and compassion, answers, accountability, change, and God’s grace.

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City holds press conference Monday May 22nd to discuss the Robb School 1st anniversary week

admin — Tue, 23 May 2023 13:56:45 +0000

A Robb 21 Family Member being interviewed outside of the Civic Center following the Press Conference

City of Uvalde officials held a press conference attended by state and national media networks to answer questions about the First Anniversary of the Robb School Shooting that occurred one year ago on Wednesday, May 24th, 2024. The Mayor of Uvalde was accompanied by Uvalde City Manager Vince DiPiazza, Uvalde CISD School Superintendent Gary Patterson and Baptist Temple Pastor Tony Gruben.

Pastor Gruben led off with opening remarks.

In his remarks he stated, “We’ve had a difficult year. There is help and there is hope. God’s compassion is great.

There is a need for one another to lean on one another to help one another. Even after all the years I don’t know what to say. Normally I just say I love you. I love Uvalde. I love y’all.

My prayer and my hope is through the darkest of times; I’ve never experienced anything this dark. Yet in my weakness I know God’s power is perfected in my weakness. My prayer is God’s presence and peace will reign. Allow people to grieve the way they need to grieve .”

”We’re here to support the families this week. We ask that you lift them up in prayer. This is about the family’s, the children and those we lost that day.” Mayor McLaughlin said.

It was stated by the Mayor this would be the only press conference for this week and City Officials would not be giving any interview.

Several reporters asked questions regarding the Memo that was sent out a week ago signed by the City and County elected officials along with Uvalde CISD School Superintendent Gary Patterson and District Attorney Christina Mitchell which was interpreted by many to mean, “Don’t come to Uvalde if you are media or from out of town.”

The Mayor clarified the statement saying the intent of the letter was to discourage anyone from coming who might be planning on disrupting the town or causing harm to the town.

The Uvalde Hesperian asked the panel why District Attorney Mitchell was absent from this press conference. “Where is D.A. Christina Mitchell? Where is the Governor? The D.A. was one of the officials who signed that letter. When will she release the information she claims to have about the Robb School Massacre? Does she even have any information or is she actually planning to proceed with a prosecution against any of the officers involved or is it possible she doesn’t have any information and is just bluffing?|

Berlinda Arreola speaks at the City of Uvalde Press Conference Monday asking for privacy for the Robb 21 Families walk by the Murals on Wednesday

The Mayor answered by saying this week is about the families and politicians were not invited to come to town.

Near the end of the press conference,

Arreola spoke to the panel clarifying the families plans that day. She stated the family planned on walking privately around the murals of the 21 in the City that afternoon. She asked that the media and others allow the family privacy and that they did not want any media present for their walk.

Later that evening, a candlelight vigil is planned at the Uvalde Memorial park beginning at 7:30PM later that evening where all are welcome to attend.

At 5:30 PM , on Wednesday May 24th, the Prayer service will be held at the Uvalde County Fairplex.

Uvalde County Fairplex Director Wendy Speer provided the following information to the Uvalde Hesperian on Thursday May 18th:

“It appears that the May 24 Prayer Vigil being put on here at The Fairplex by the Ministerial Alliance has been rescheduled for 5:30 pm on May 24, rather than 7:30pm. The program should last about an hour and a half. From what I understand, no press will be allowed inside the arena, however, an ABC Affiliate will be on-site to share a feed of the event to press.”

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State Senator Roland Gutierrez speaks before the Texas House demanding “Common Sense Gun Laws.”

admin — Tue, 04 Apr 2023 23:22:12 +0000

Texas State Senator Roland Gutierrez spoke at a live press conference earlier this afternoon on the floor of the Texas Senate during a break.

According to a press release issued earlier today, Senator Gutierrez office issued this statement, “Due to Senate Media restrictions we are livestreaming this press conference on our Facebook: https://fb.com/rolandfortexas

Standing behind Gutierrez were several of the Robb School victim’s families including Kimberly and Felix Rubio, Javier Cazares and Faith Mata spoke after Gutierrez spoke lambasting both Lt. Governor and Texas Governor Greg Abbott.

Gutierrez criticized Abbott and the Republican Party for the party’s legislation against “transgender population and drag shows” and less about “common sense gun safety legislation.”

A mother of one of the victims of the Santa Fe shooting, spoke where she excoriated both Abbott and Patrick delivering a profanity laced statement.

Gutierrez returned to the speaker’s podium referring to Texas State Senator Tracy King who he said would be introducing his own gun safety bill.

Senator Gutierrez’ office released the following statement about the press conference:

“State Senator Roland Gutierrez to Provide Updates to Common Sense Gun Safety Legislation

Austin, Texas – On Tuesday, State Senator Roland Gutierrez will provide an update on the status of common sense gun safety legislation in the Texas Senate. Gutierrez continues to push for justice, truth, and accountability.

Throughout the 88th Legislative Session, Sen. Gutierrez has released legislation that focuses on justice and services for victims of mass shootings, increasing state and local accountability, school safety and mental health resources, comprehensive equipment and training for first responders, a memorial to mass shooting victims in the Texas State Cemetery, and common sense gun safety measures.

Who: Uvalde families, State Senator Roland Gutierrez ; What: Press Conference on common sense gun safety legislation updates ; When: Tuesday, April 4, 2023; 3:30 pm or 30 minutes after the adjournment of the Senate ; Where: Texas Capitol Speakers Committee Room, 2W.6

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Democratic politicians join victim’s families at press conference today speaking out against gun violence

admin — Thu, 06 Oct 2022 11:19:29 +0000

The post Democratic politicians join victim’s families at press conference today speaking out against gun violence appeared first on Uvalde Hesperian.

Preventing Gun Violence Press Conference Slated for Wednesday, October 5th at the Ssgt. Willie de Leon Civic Center

admin — Sat, 01 Oct 2022 11:49:43 +0000

Uvalde Families and Community Supporters including Texas Democrats Will Hold Press Conference in Uvalde on Preventing Gun Violence in Texas to highlight how Texas Republicans have failed to address the irresponsible and dangerous gun policies that leaded to the murder of 19 children and 2 teachers – and the importance of electing Democrats statewide this November, who will finally enact widely-supported, commonsense gun safety laws to keep our families and communities safe.

WHERE:

SSGT Willie De Leon Civic Center (Cactus Room), 300 E. Main St., Uvalde, Texas 78801 (May move to a larger room if needed)

WHEN:

Wednesday, October 5, 2022 at 9:30 AM CT

Families & Politicians (no media)

Wednesday, October 5, 2022 at 10:30 AM CT

Families, Community, politicians & media

WHO:

• Senator Roland Gutierrez, (D) SD-19

• John Lira, Democratic Nominee for U.S. Congress TX-23

• Ronald Garza, Uvalde County Commissioner, Precinct 4

• More politicians to be announced-we wanted to ensure families were okay with additional politicians

• Kimberly Rubio, Mother of Alexandria (Lexi) Aniyah Rubio

• Arnulfo Reyes, Teacher at Robb Elementary

• Jacinto Cazares and Gloria Cazares, Parents of Jacklyn (Jackie) Cazares

• Jesse Rizo Jr. (Uncle of Jacklyn Cazares)

• Need more families of the victims and survivors to speak 30 seconds to 3 minutes on the subject of how current politicians failed them after Sutherland Springs, Santa Fe. Midland-Odessa, El Paso.The Uvalde Massacre could have been prevented had Lawmakers acted responsibly and made changes to protect their constituents.

WHY:

We know many institutional failures led to the tragedy that occurred to our families at Robb Elementary. We know that our state’s dangerous gun laws and the negligent response from law enforcement are to blame. But this tragedy was also a result of the heartless action of Texas Republicans, who have actually *expanded* access to guns in recent years! It’s been long overdue to call them out and demand change by voting for common sense candidates during early voting and on November 8th 2022.

Summary:

9:30-10:30-The families will meet with politicians first in a group setting without media.

10:30-11:00- All families, community and politicians will meet with the media for a formal press conference. Individually, reporters will then proceed to ask questions of the families members, community supporters and politicians.

We encourage all family members to respond to the media questions, however, if you would like sign up to speak prior to the media questions please RVSP to any of the following family members:

Jesse Rizo 512-417-7377

Gloria H. Cazares 830-275-9372

Manuel Rizo 830-486-8990

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Press Conference Archives - Uvalde Hesperian

Final Funding Secured for New Legacy Elementary School according to Uvalde CISD Moving Forward Foundation

UVALDE CISD MOVING FORWARD FOUNDATION FINAL FUNDING SECURED TO COMPLETE PHYSICAL CONSTRUCTION OF SCHOOL– Foundation is still accepting funds for other campus and district needs –

U.S. Department of Justice Merrick B. Garland “There was an epic lack of leadership”

Robb 21 Family Member: “What we thought was true.”

Roland Gutierrez responds to anticipated release of Department of Justice report on Uvalde Shooting

State of Texas has covered up law enforcement failure for almost 2 years

21 Individual Roses

by Jennifer Gilliland

City holds press conference Monday May 22nd to discuss the Robb School 1st anniversary week

State Senator Roland Gutierrez speaks before the Texas House demanding “Common Sense Gun Laws.”

Gutierrez and families expressed anger due to proposed gun safety legislation was pulled today in the Texas Senate

Democratic politicians join victim’s families at press conference today speaking out against gun violence

Several Robb 21 family members are included in a panel waiting to speak at the Democratic Party press conference Tuesday at the Ssgt. Willie de Leon Civic Center in Uvalde

Preventing Gun Violence Press Conference Slated for Wednesday, October 5th at the Ssgt. Willie de Leon Civic Center

Uvalde Families and Community Supporters including Texas Democrats