Uvalde Shooting: Ways To Help the Community & Families Affected

Tragedy struck the city of Uvalde, Texas, Tuesday (May 24) when an 18-year-old lone gunman charged into Robb Elementary School and killed 19 children and two adults. It is the deadliest school shooting in Texas history.

Uvalde is about 80 miles west of San Antonio. According to the 2020 U.S. Census, it has a population of just over 15,000 residents, 78% of them who identify as “Hispanic or Latino.”

Prior to entering the elementary, the gunman shot his grandmother before fleeing the scene and crashing his car near the school. He wore body armor and carried two military-style rifles. Reports indicate that he was shot and killed by police after the massacre.

President Biden went on national TV soon after to adress the nation. “Why are we willing to live with this carnage?” Biden asked. “Why do we keep letting this happen? Where in God’s name is our backbone to have the courage to deal with it and stand up to the [gun lobby]? It’s time to turn this pain into action. For every parent, for every citizen in this country, we have to make it clear to every elected official in this country, it’s time to act.”

The first victim identified in the mass shooting was Eva Mireles, a fourth-grade teacher. Her aunt, Lydia Martinez Delgado, told the New York Times that Mireles died trying to protect her students. Mireles leaves behind a husband and a child.

As of press time, a few of the 19 children killed have been identified, including 9-year-old Uziyah Garcia and 10-year-old Xavier Lopez, both fourth graders. 

As the community and the families cope with the aftermath, organizations and fundraisers are leading the efforts in helping those affected — as reported by The New York Times. See some below.