A Year After Uvalde Shooting, Robb Elementary Student Remembers Her Slain Best Friend | FRONTLINE

Summary

On May 24, chaos erupted at Robb Elementary School when a gunman entered, leaving parents like Gladys Gonzales in anguish. An automated call informed her of a lockdown, but the reality of a gunman inside the school only deepened her fear. Her daughter, Caitlyne, was trapped in a classroom nearby, and for hours, Gladys could not confirm her safety. When they finally reunited, Caitlyne's relief was overshadowed by the tragic loss of her best friend, Jackie Cazares. The harrowing experience left Caitlyne grappling with the trauma and the painful question of why their safe space had become a site of unimaginable horror.

Takeaways

• 😟 Parents received an automated message informing them of a lockdown at Robb Elementary due to gunshots in the vicinity.
• 😱 Gladys Gonzales, a parent, experienced intense fear and uncertainty when she learned of a gunman inside the school.
• 👧 Gladys's daughter, Caitlyne, was in fourth grade and was initially unreachable during the crisis, heightening the anxiety for her family.
• 🏫 Caitlyne's classroom, Room 106, was close to where the shooting took place, leaving her traumatized by the experience.
• 🚓 Police broke windows to evacuate students from classrooms near the shooter, demonstrating the urgency of the situation.
• 🤗 After the ordeal, Caitlyne and her mother shared an emotional reunion, highlighting the relief of safety.
• 💔 The tragedy resulted in the loss of 19 children and 2 adults, leaving many families devastated.
• 😢 Caitlyne expressed concern for her best friend, Jackie, who was among the victims, showcasing the personal impact of the tragedy.
• 🎨 In a touching moment, Caitlyne shared her memories of Jackie, indicating her struggle to cope with the loss.
• 🔍 Caitlyne has become fixated on understanding why the police did not intervene sooner, reflecting the profound psychological effects of the traumatic event.

Q & A

What prompted the lockdown at Robb Elementary?

The lockdown was initiated due to reports of gunshots in the area.

How did Gladys Gonzales first learn about the situation at the school?

Gladys received an automated message informing parents about the lockdown, followed by a call from her husband telling her that there was a gunman inside the school.

What was Gladys's immediate concern regarding her daughter Caitlyne?

Gladys was extremely worried about Caitlyne's safety and had no idea whether she was alive or where she was for several hours.

What did Caitlyne experience during the incident?

Caitlyne was in room 106, where she huddled with her classmates close to her desk, hearing screams and chaos, as well as police activity outside the classroom.

How did the police respond during the incident?

Officers broke the windows of classrooms across from the gunman and began evacuating students to ensure their safety.

What was the emotional impact on Gladys when she reunited with Caitlyne?

Gladys felt immense relief and happiness, embracing Caitlyne tightly and reassuring her that she was safe.

What tragic news did families receive that evening?

Families learned that 19 elementary school students and two adults had been killed by the shooter.

How did Caitlyne react to the loss of her friend Jackie?

Caitlyne expressed concern for her friend Jackie, asking about her after the incident, indicating her deep sense of loss.

What did Caitlyne's mother notice about her daughter's behavior following the incident?

Gladys observed that Caitlyne had become obsessed with understanding what happened during the shooting, questioning why the police did not intervene when they had the chance.

What does this incident reveal about the sense of safety for children in schools?

The incident highlights the devastating reality that a place meant for safety, like a school, can become a site of unimaginable danger, affecting children's sense of security.