Crime
US Customs and Border Protection Releases Report on Uvalde Robb Elementary Mass Shooting
The report, consisting of a summary and a full 200-page document, outlines the findings of the CBP Office of Professional Responsibility’s Critical Incident Review.
The United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has released a comprehensive report detailing its agency’s actions during the tragic mass shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas. The report, consisting of a summary and a full 200-page document, outlines the findings of the CBP Office of Professional Responsibility’s Critical Incident Review.
Key Findings and Recommendations:
Command and Control:
- A lack of clear federal authority for CBP personnel to intervene in local-level emergencies.
- The absence of a unified command and control framework among responding law enforcement agencies.
- Gaps in existing training for breaching tactics in cases involving locked doors.
CBP Leadership Actions:
- Implementing policy changes for CBP interactions with local and state law enforcement.
- Reevaluating training standards to address lessons learned.
- Improving operational methods for better command and control.
Legal Authorities:
- CBP personnel had inconsistent understanding of their legal authority to respond to non-federal emergencies.
- Addressing vague and misunderstood authorities could lead to more effective incident responses.
- CBP personnel’s legal authority might be limited to that of a private citizen in non-federal emergencies.
Command and Control Personnel:
- CBP personnel received no instructions from state or local law enforcement.
- No established command and control framework resulted in delays and potential loss of life.
- Lack of access to accurate school layout and keys hindered response efforts.
Active Shooter and Incident Management Training:
- Existing CBP training on active shooter response was insufficient.
- Training focused on federal property and lacked NIMS and ICS protocols.
- Training did not prepare personnel for school-based incidents, locked doors, or command and control.
- Insufficient coverage of ballistic shields, legal authorities, leadership, and agency interoperability.
Recommendations for Legal Authorities:
- Ensure clear understanding of legal authorities for CBP personnel.
- Develop policies for non-federal mass-casualty incidents.
- Pursue statutory changes to define federal law enforcement authority.
Recommendations for Training:
- Provide proper training and familiarize personnel with NIMS and ICS protocols.
- Revise and adapt training curricula to emerging best practices.
- Establish procedures for following medical triage best practices.
The report provides a comprehensive analysis of the CBP’s involvement in the Robb Elementary mass shooting and offers recommendations for improving future responses to such tragic events.
The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office (PBSO) is investigating a series of shootings that occurred Wednesday night in Pahokee, culminating in a deputy-involved shooting.
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), the Palm Beach County State Attorney’s Office, and PBSO’s Violent Crimes Division are conducting parallel and joint reviews of the incident.
According to authorities, the violence began on Wednesday, February 25, at approximately 10:12 p.m., when 44-year-old Charles McCloud Jr. allegedly initiated a series of shootings at multiple locations throughout Pahokee over a roughly 40-minute span.
First Shooting – 171 Booker Place (10:12 p.m.)
McCloud allegedly shot two adult males at a residence located at 171 Booker Place.
Both victims were pronounced deceased at the scene.
Second Shooting – 8700 Block of Doveland Drive
Shortly afterward, multiple gunshots were reported in the 8700 block of Doveland Drive.
Although several rounds were fired, authorities confirmed that no individuals were struck during this incident.
Third Shooting – 750 Belle Glade Road
The third shooting occurred at a convenience store located at 750 Belle Glade Road.
An adult male was shot during this incident and transported for medical treatment. Officials report the victim is expected to survive.
While responding to the reported gunfire on Doveland Drive and conducting a preliminary investigation, a PBSO deputy was securing the area with crime scene tape when McCloud allegedly drove a black GMC SUV directly at the deputy.
Authorities state that McCloud struck the deputy with the vehicle, pushing him approximately 40 feet. After exiting the SUV armed with a firearm, McCloud allegedly attempted to shoot the injured deputy.
In response, the deputy discharged his service weapon, striking McCloud. A second PBSO deputy also discharged his firearm during the encounter. McCloud was pronounced deceased at the scene.
The injured deputy sustained serious injuries and is currently receiving treatment at St. Mary’s Medical Center.
According to PBSO, Charles McCloud Jr. had an extensive criminal history, including prior charges for Riot, Resisting an Officer with Violence, Armed Robbery, Aggravated Battery with a Deadly Weapon, Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, Carrying a Concealed Weapon, Narcotics Equipment/Possession, and Escape or Attempted Escape from a county facility.
In accordance with standard agency policy, the deputy involved in the shooting has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation.
The FDLE, the Palm Beach County State Attorney’s Office, and PBSO’s Violent Crimes Division continue to actively investigate all aspects of the shootings, including the deputy-involved use of force.
Additional information will be released as it becomes available.