Law enforcement veteran Michael Letts discusses the report, as well as what police can do in the future to avoid such an incident.
The Uvalde school shooting that took place in May 2022 continues to be one of the most notable tragedies in the United States – mainly because of the police department’s inability to properly issue orders to subdue the shooter. And now, the Justice Department has its say on the matter.
U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland delivered a report on the incident earlier this week, which resulted in the deaths of 19 students and two teachers. He noted the “cascading failures of leadership, decision-making, tactics, policy and training,” and that it never should have happened.
“Had law enforcement agencies followed generally accepted practices in an active shooter situation and gone right after the shooter to stop him, lives would have been saved and people would have survived,” Garland noted in a press conference.
As such, Garland has advised law enforcement agencies to immediately prioritizing active shooter training. Gov. Greg Abbott of Texas noted that many departments are already engaged in this, especially considering what happened in Uvalde.
But what steps truly need to be taken to avoid such an incident from happening again? Joining us now to discuss this further is Michael Letts, a law enforcement veteran with over 30 years of experience under his belt.
Letts is President, Founder and CEO of InVest USA, which provides bulletproof vests to police officers through various charitable groups and sponsorships. His expertise in all things law and order make him an ideal subject for this interview. Welcome, Mr. Letts.
Q&A:
- First off, what do you think was to blame when it came to the Uvalde tragedy? Was it really “cascading failures” in leadership, or miscommunication, or perhaps both?
- What do you think about Garland’s order for more law enforcement agencies to partake in “active shooter training” to avoid future incidents such as this? Shouldn’t that have been done in the first place given their frequency as of late?
- Do you think any other officers need to be punished for their actions from Uvalde, or has justice already been carried out?
- While you agree with Garland on some parts of his report, are you still frustrated that the Biden administration has failed to provide the proper funding to police, including mental health support?
- Do you believe “active shooter” events will continue to take place in 2024? If so, how can people properly prepare for them?
- You’re the creator of InVest USA, an organization that provides bulletproof vests to police officers through various charitable groups and sponsorships. Tell us more about that, and why support for fellow officers is so important right now.
- Where can we learn more about InVest USA, and how those interested can help their fellow officers.
- You can visit our official InVest USA website, and learn more on the official Invest USA Twitter account. You can also learn about my new initiative at RestoringJustice.US, where we discuss lawful issues surrounding citizens of the United States.
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: geraldmcg@outlook.com or 919-437-0001.
