Uvalde City Council agreed to a $2 million settlement with Robb Elementary families, aiming for healing and accountability.
SAN ANTONIO — Nearly three years after the mass shooting at Robb Elementary School, the City of Uvalde has reached a $2 million settlement with the families of victims, marking what some are calling a long-overdue step toward healing and accountability.
On Tuesday night, in a closed-door meeting, Uvalde city councilmembers unanimously approved the confidential agreement with families impacted by the 2022 tragedy that claimed the lives of 19 children and two teachers.
“Today’s agreement marks an important step forward in advancing community healing,” said Uvalde Mayor Hector Luevano during the meeting. “We look forward to our continued work and collaboration with the Robb families to ensure the Uvalde community can move forward on a path of collective healing and reconciliation. We will never forget the lives we lost in this senseless act of violence.”
While the city did not publicly disclose the terms, attorney Josh Koskoff, representing the families, previously shared details in a press conference. The settlement includes not only financial compensation but also commitments to long-term support measures: enhanced police training and fitness standards, mental health services for victims’ families, cemetery maintenance and a permanent memorial in the town plaza.
“The city did what they needed to do,” said Oscar Orona, whose son Noah survived after being shot in the back during the attack in Room 112. For the Oronas, the agreement represents progress and a step toward closure.
“Now that everything’s fallen into place, I think the wheels are gonna be set in motion… at least I’m hopeful they are,” said Orona.
As Noah turns 13 next month, the milestone is especially meaningful — it marks another year of survival, resilience and the life his family feared he might not have after that tragic day.
As Noah’s birthday approaches, his father urges the community not to forget the trauma survivors still carry.
“Some people lost a great deal. Others that survived, such as our kids, these kids are out in the community right now and it’s important people remember that. Remember what these kids went through. Even though they’re out and about, it doesn’t mean that everything’s OK inside, that everything’s back to normal.”
Others, like Brett Cross — whose 10-year-old son Uziyah Garcia was killed — are demanding more than remembrance. Last week, Cross testified in Austin against a proposed bill that would lower the age to carry a handgun.
“You have the power to prevent the next Uvalde. Use it. If you don’t… every drop of blood will be on every single one of your hands,” Cross told lawmakers.
The $2 million in the settlement will be covered by the city’s insurance policy.
Planning for the memorial is in its early stages, with city officials pledging to collaborate with families and community leaders on its design and location.