Texas Gov. Greg Abbott (R) said his previous comments about the Uvalde shooting, in which he praised law enforcement for their response, argued that the situation “could have been worse”, had come from “incorrect” information that he had received from officers. He was “confused” while arguing.
“I’m absolutely concerned about that,” Abbott said during a press conference on Friday.
Abbott said that during Wednesday’s press conference, he reiterated information disclosed by law enforcement officers, initially commenting on “their quick response.” Details about the shooting and law enforcement’s delay in stopping the gunman continue to substantiate Abbott’s initial comments, which described officers as “running at bullets for the singular purpose of trying to save lives.”
Law enforcement officials acknowledged Friday that officers waited more than 45 minutes before breaking into a classroom where a gunman killed 19 students and two teachers. Many students and teachers repeatedly called 911 during that time.
Since the shooting, several officers have given conflicting information about what happened between the time the gunman left the house and the time he was killed by officers. Before entering the school, the gunman shot his grandmother in the face and blew up her truck.
During his press conference on Friday, Abbott focused more on what needs to be done to address the issue, claiming he wants to make schools safer and address mental health. Asked about a potential special session to address gun violence, Abbott said, “All options are on the table.”
Texas State Sen. Roland Gutierrez (D), who represents Uvalde, interrupted Abbott’s press conference on Friday, urging him to convene a special session to address gun violence. “You have to do something,” Gutierrez said during a quick but emotional remark.
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