Three months after the tragic shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas, the man who faced a world of scrutiny for mis-managing the capture of the shooter, Pete Arredondo, is finally out of a job.
Per this report from Fox News, the district board finally acted following the active shooter event that cost the lives of 19 students and three adults, terminating Arredondo for his gross incompetence that left more than 150 agents waiting outside while a gunman roamed the halls.
Arredondo’s attorney, George Hyde, commented on the matter after the former police chief refused to attend the hearing where he was fired. “Chief Arredondo will not participate in his own illegal and unconstitutional public lynching and respectfully requests the Board immediately reinstate him, with all backpay and benefits and close the complaint as unfounded.”
Hyde later added, “It is important to note that Chief Arredondo, along with several other officers in the hallway, were completely unaware of any occupants in the room with the shooter until entry was made, the shooter was engaged, and the officers stopped him.”
Here to speak more on this long overdue action is Michael Letts, who has served with law enforcement for three decades. Currently, he serves as president, founder and CEO for InVest USA, an organization that provides bulletproof vests to officers through various foundations and sponsorships. His expertise will certainly weigh heavily on this matter.
Q&A:
- How long has Arredondo’s firing been overdue? People have been calling for action in Uvalde for months, and now they finally have it.
- How angry were you to hear that over 150 agents, including various police officers, were stuck waiting outside while waiting to hear from Arredondo or another team leader on what to do next? Clearly they could’ve done something more with a better plan of action.
- Arredondo noted that he believes he deserves full reinstatement and doesn’t believe he’s the one to blame for what happened in Robb Elementary because he and others “were completely unaware.” This seems to be straight-up ignorance and denial. Your thoughts on what he’s saying? Especially since Texas Department of Public Safety Director Steven McGraw identified him as the man in charge.
- Do you believe Arredondo should face legal charges from the families of the victims for his incompetence? Or perhaps other charges with his lack of action?
- What do you think will happen now? Will Uvalde find peace with this decision, or will more questions be asked? Could Arredondo possibly try to sue to take his position back? (Not that it’ll do any good considering the decision by the board.)
- Since what occurred in Uvalde, we’ve seen police officers act with quicker response and dedication to keeping innocent people alive. Do you believe this is a matter of “lesson learned” to avoid falling into the same mistakes that Arredondo did?
- Where can people learn more about what you’re currently doing with InVest USA, and where can they help contribute?
- More information can be found on the official website at http://www.investusa.org.
About Michael Letts:
Michael Letts is the Founder, President, and CEO of InVest USA, a national grassroots non-profit organization that is helping hundreds of communities provide thousands of bulletproof vests for their police forces through educational, public relations, sponsorship, and fundraising programs. He also has over 30 years of law enforcement experience under his belt, hence his pro-police stance for his brothers and sisters in blue. Those interested in learning more about Letts can visit his official website here.
CONTACT: Jerry McGlothlin at: jerry.specialguests@gmail.com or 919-437-0001.
