2 juveniles injured in shooting at Uvalde park more than a mile from Robb Elementary, police say

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Friday, September 9, 2022
2 hurt in Uvalde park shooting more than a mile from school tragedy
Two juveniles were hospitalized, and police searched for another in connection with a shooting in Uvalde near Robb Elementary School.

UVALDE, Texas -- Two juveniles were hospitalized after they were wounded in a gang-related shooting at Uvalde Memorial Park Thursday evening, according to Texas Department of Public Safety.

At about 5:50 p.m., Uvalde police shared on Facebook that officers had received a shooting call at 5:30 p.m. During that time, police were urging residents to avoid the area.

The video above is ABC13's 24/7 livestream.

According to KSAT, police said they are looking for a juvenile suspect in connection with the shooting. Police said they know the suspect's name but they have not released it. Officers are also assuring the community that this is not a "dangerous situation for the general public."

Texas DPS shared on Twitter that they are working with Uvalde police and the sheriff's office on the investigation.

After news of the shooting broke out, Gov. Greg Abbott issued the following statement, expressing his outrage and that an additional six DPS trooper units will be sent to work around the clock:

"I was outraged to learn that gang violence has endangered the Uvalde community and innocent Texans this evening. I immediately called Mayor McLaughlin and County Judge Mitchell to offer the state's full support and resources as law enforcement hunts down the gang members. After speaking with the mayor and the county judge about the immediate need for more law enforcement support, I have directed the Department of Public Safety to conduct patrol operations in the gang hotspots, send an additional six DPS trooper units to work around the clock, and begin coordinating an anti-gang effort with the city. Working with the Uvalde Police Department and Uvalde County Sheriff's Office, DPS is also deploying Special Agents to target the five gangs operating in Uvalde. Thank you to all local and state law enforcement and first responders who swiftly went into action to protect their fellow Texans. Gang violence has no place here in Texas, and we will bring the full force of justice down on these heinous criminals."

The recent shooting comes more than three months after a gunman opened fire at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, killing 19 students and two teachers. The current crime scene is just 1.5 miles away from where the tragedy took place.

Since the mass shooting in May, changes have been made to security across Uvalde CISD.

For example, DPS troopers will now be stationed outside schools. Students at Robb Elementary will not be returning to campus as the school is set to be demolished.

The survivors will instead attend different schools across the district.