Texas Prosecutor Convenes Grand Jury to Investigate Uvalde School Shooting

The grand jury was convened to review evidence and weigh in on possible charges related to the mass shooting that left 21 dead

A grand jury has been convened to investigate the Robb Elementary School mass shooting that left 21 people dead on May 24, 2022, in Uvalde, Texas, according to multiple reports.

Uvalde County District Attorney Christina Mitchell told the San Antonio Express-News that a grand jury was convened to review the evidence and weigh in on possible charges related to the deaths of 19 children and two teachers at the school.

Of the about 300 people summoned to appear in the 38th Judicial District Court, only 67 appeared, according to the Uvalde Leader-News. Of those who appeared, 12 were selected to serve on the jury, which is expected to last at least six months, according to the outlet. According to the Texas Tribune, jurors will meet approximately twice a month to hear witness testimony.

Related: Uvalde School District Votes Unanimously to Fire Police Chief 2 Months After Mass Shooting

While the focus of the grand jury cannot be disclosed per the state code of criminal procedure, Mitchell told the Uvalde Leader-News that she has "been committed to protect the integrity of the Texas Rangers investigation and to present the investigation to a Uvalde County Grand Jury."

"My office continues to methodically and systematically dissect the Texas Rangers investigation of which I have possessed for less than a year. I want to ensure that our efforts in this process are careful, deliberate, and fair. I am continuously mindful of my responsibility to the victims, their families, to those under a cloud of accusation, and to our community," her statement added. PEOPLE has reached out to the District Attorney's office for comment.

Related: A Year After Uvalde School Shooting, Murals Honor 21 Victims: 'Art Has the Power to Help These Families Heal'

Reports of a grand jury come a day after the United States Department of Justice released a critical incident review analyzing law enforcement's response to the tragedy over the past 20 months.

"The victims and survivors of the mass shooting at Robb Elementary School deserved better," said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland in a press release statement.

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"As a consequence of failed leadership, training, and policies, 33 students and three of their teachers — many of whom had been shot — were trapped in a room with an active shooter for over an hour as law enforcement officials remained outside. We hope to honor the victims and survivors by working together to try to prevent anything like this from happening again, here or anywhere," his statement continued.

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