Uvalde Mayor Don McLaughlin on Monday apologized to the families of victims of last year's school shooting, many of whom are still searching for answers about the failed law enforcement response to the shooting.
Wednesday marks one year since the shooting that killed 19 children and two teachers at Robb Elementary School.
"This week is tough week. We can't even imagine the pain that the families are feeling. One year we realize you still don't have the answers that you need, he said during a press conference. "And for that, I apologize.”
McLaughlin said he did not have an update on the local DA's criminal investigation into the shooting response that saw 376 officers wait more than an hour to confront the gunman.
He also said he's looking to clear the air about confusion over whether or not the public is invited to town to mark one year since the shooting.
McLaughlin said the answer is yes: the public is invited to a candlelight vigil held by the victims’ families at 7:30pm Wednesday at the Uvalde Memorial Park amphitheater.
He said city leaders initially penned an open letter last week asking for privacy for the families, who will be doing a tour of the city's healing murals earlier in the day.
Uvalde Anniversary Privacy Letter by Texas Public Radio on Scribd
"When we talked to the families, they had expressed that they wanted to do their own event, a private event, he said. "So, we were trying to support that."
And he said now that the city and the families are on the same page about the Wednesday night vigil, they welcome anyone who wants to come.
"We support the event that they've called for at the amphitheater. It's not us against them," he said. "We want to be there to support them. Not to be a distraction."
There will be parking restrictions around several city areas beginning at 6pm Tuesday. This includes Uvalde Main Plaza, Robb Elementary School, and the Healing Uvalde Murals.
McLaughlin said for those who do come, the city will not be accepting gifts so people should not bring or leave any items this week.
