Legal loophole that could block Texas shooting records

Law enforcement officials have provided little or contradictory information about the deadly shooting at an elementary school in Texas on May 24. Statements, some hours after they were made, have been withdrawn by officials. According to the State Police, some accounts are preliminary and may change once more witnesses have been interviewed.

Some people fear that Texas officials may use a legal loophole to block release of records once the Uvalde school shooting case has been closed, even to the victims' families, amid growing public pressure for more information.

The investigation has prevented the officials from providing more details. Lawyers and advocates are becoming increasingly concerned that they may not receive answers from the authorities, that they may close the case and make use of an exception to the Texas Public Information Act to block any further disclosure.

13 June 2022