As the Uvalde community marks the two-year anniversary of the tragic school massacre that claimed the lives of 19 students and two teachers, families of the victims have filed new wrongful death lawsuits. The lawsuits target the publisher of Call of Duty, the maker of AR-15 style rifles, and Meta, the parent company of Instagram, alleging that they groomed the shooter.
Survivors who were inside the classroom during the attack shared their experiences and the challenges they have faced in the aftermath. Arnufo Reyes, a teacher who survived being shot in the arm and back, recounted the harrowing 77 minutes he spent fighting for his life while police were outside.
One student, AJ, who was shot in the leg, expressed his sadness and frustration over the failures that day, urging for accountability and change. The community gathered in the town square, raising orange flags to honor the victims and call for an end to gun violence.
Despite the trauma, there are signs of hope and resilience in Uvalde. A newly elected school board member is working to rebuild trust and transparency, aiming to help students return to school. Reyes, now running a store with his mother, continues to share his story as a way to honor the victims and advocate for a safer world.
As the families seek justice through legal action, new lawsuits have been filed against the police officers who responded to the incident, as well as companies like Meta, Daniel Defense, and Activision. The lawsuits allege that the shooter was influenced by playing Call of Duty in the days leading up to the tragedy.
The Uvalde community remains united in their quest for accountability and prevention of future tragedies, emphasizing the importance of remembering the lives lost and working towards a safer future.
