Gov. Abbott issues disaster declaration after 21 killed, several wounded in Uvalde school shooting

Declaration will accelerate available resources for Uvalde community members

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott visits a memorial at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas, Sunday, May 29, 2022, to pay his respects to the victims killed in a school shooting. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong) (Jae C. Hong, Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved)

UVALDE, Texas – Gov. Greg Abbott issued a disaster declaration Tuesday for the city of Uvalde after a mass shooting at Robb Elementary School last week claimed the lives of 19 students and two teachers and left several other people injured.

The governor’s office said the declaration would accelerate all available state and local resources to help people in the Uvalde community.

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“The community of Uvalde has been left devastated by last week’s senseless act of violence at Robb Elementary School and should not have to encounter any difficulty in receiving the support needed to heal,” said Abbott in part in a written statement.

The declaration will “suspend regulations that would prevent, hinder, or delay necessary action in coping with the aftermath of the tragic shooting,” officials said Tuesday. It will help state agencies provide a temporary facility to be used as a family resource center for the Uvalde community members seeking mental health services, as well as other resources.

Uvalde community members who need state mental health services can get help by calling 888-690-0799. The hotline is open 24/7.

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About the Author:

Ivan Herrera has worked as a journalist in San Antonio since 2016. His work for KSAT 12 and KSAT.com includes covering breaking news of the day, as well as producing Q&As and content for the "South Texas Pride" and "KSAT Money" series.