The Justice Department will investigate the much criticized response by law enforcement to last week’s mass shooting at the Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Tx., Politico reports. DOJ's probe, termed a "critical incident review," was requested by Uvalde Mayor Don McLaughlin. Nineteen children and two teachers were killed before police killed the lone gunman, who stormed into the school and barricaded himself in a classroom. Reports in recent days about the timeline of the attack have led to widespread criticism of police for not forcing their way into the barricaded area, particularly given that police were receiving 911 calls from terrified children desperately seeking help.
Two different girls called 911, begging for help. Their classmates were dead and dying around them. The first call came at 12:03 p.m. The same girl called back at 12:10, at 12:13, and 12:16. A different girl called at 12:19. The final call came at 12:36.” The Justice Department said the review “will be fair, transparent, and independent,” and that the findings will be released to the public. “The goal of the review is to provide an independent account of law enforcement actions and responses that day, and to identify lessons learned and best practices to help first responders prepare for and respond to active shooter events,” DOJ said.