Police were already there three minutes after the gunman entered the school, but they were short of men and only carried handguns. The gunman, who had locked himself in a classroom, had an automatic rifle. The police present asked for reinforcements, who appeared fifteen minutes later. The officers also had rifles and a ballistic shield, which offers protection against bullets.
Since the shooting, the police department in Uvalde has been heavily criticized for possibly stopping the gunman earlier and saving lives.
The new information about the police officers and equipment present is expected to be presented on Tuesday. Then the Texas State Senate holds a hearing on the shooting, giving the public a chance to have their say.
