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Editor’s Note: The above video shows KXAN News’ top morning headlines from Wednesday, Aug. 14, 2024.
UVALDE, Texas (KXAN) -- The Uvalde Police Department's chief disclosed Wednesday morning that he discovered additional video footage from the May 2022 Robb Elementary School shooting that was not included in a recent release of what the department previously believed was all of the video footage.
On Saturday, Aug. 10, UPD released what it believed at the time to be all video footage from the shooting. That release was in compliance with a Court Order issued by Judge Sid Harle and the Texas Public Information Act (TPIA) after several news organizations brought forth a lawsuit after the officials initially refused to publicly release the information.
Twenty-one people, including 19 students and two teachers, died in the May 24, 2022 shooting.
According to a release from the City of Uvalde, UPD chief Homer Delgado was made aware on Aug. 10 of claims by another officer that there was a portion of his body camera footage that was not included in the release.
Delgado ordered a comprehensive audit of UPD servers to determine whether there was any additional footage, which led to several additional videos being discovered.
UPD alerted District Attorney Christina Mitchell and gave her office the additional footage for review on Aug. 13.
The release said DA Mitchell will review the footage to determine whether it is needed for further investigation, and the city will evaluate compliance with Judge Harle’s Order.
In the meantime, UPD Chief Homer Delgado – who assumed his current role on April 6, 2024 – and Assistant Chief Mike Davis – who was hired on April 29, 2024 – opened an internal affairs investigation to determine how the oversight occurred, who in UPD was responsible for it, and what disciplinary actions are needed, if any, the release said.
“Upon assuming the role of Chief of the Uvalde Police Department, I instituted the Guardian Initiative which, among other principles, promises full transparency to our community,” said UPD Chief Delgado. “In the spirit of our ongoing commitment to full transparency, I have ordered an immediate review of all footage collection and storage protocols within UPD and will institute a new process to ensure our department lives to up the highest standards. The Uvalde community and the public deserve nothing less.”
Delgado and Davis have ordered a comprehensive audit – which is ongoing – alongside UPD’s Information Technology division to determine whether there are any additional responsive records required to be disclosed to the relevant authorities and the public.
Timeline of events, according to the City of Uvalde
June 2022 – Uvalde Police Department provides video footage and records to the Texas Rangers, who in turn provided the documents to District Attorney Mitchell
Aug. 10, 2024 – City of Uvalde releases footage under the TPIA in compliance with the District Court’s Order
Aug. 12, 2024 – Officer alerts department and Chief Delgado he believes there is additional footage
Aug. 12, 2024 – Chief Delgado orders an immediate comprehensive audit of all UPD servers and internal investigation on the oversight in original records disclosure
Aug. 12, 2024 – Additional footage is discovered and District Attorney Mitchell is made aware
Aug. 13, 2024 – Additional footage provided to DA Mitchell for review, comprehensive UPD audit and internal investigation continues
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