ABC 20/20 “It Happened Here – A Year in Uvalde” May 19 2023 Episode
A horrific event unfolded on May 24, 2022, in Uvalde, Texas, when a teenage gunman attacked an elementary school, taking the lives of 19 fourth grade students and two teachers. Throughout the past year, ABC News’ “Uvalde: 365” project saw the network’s Investigative Unit and “20/20” immerse themselves in the community, documenting the experiences of the victims’ families and survivors of the Robb Elementary tragedy as they grapple with their grief, confront police inaction, seek justice, and embark on the path to healing.
A tragic event took place in Uvalde, Texas on May 24, 2022, when an adolescent unleashed gunfire in an elementary school, resulting in the tragic loss of 19 fourth-grade students and two teachers. ABC News embarked on a year-long initiative called “Uvalde: 365,” during which their Investigative Unit and “20/20” program closely followed the affected families of the Robb Elementary massacre. The documentary delves into their struggles as they cope with the grief, the perceived inaction of the police, their pursuit of justice, and their efforts to embark on a healing journey.
The film highlights personal accounts from various community members, such as Felix Rubio, a deputy sheriff who resigned from his position, and his wife Kimberly, who relocated their family to a different home because their surviving children found it too difficult to face their late sister’s bedroom. It also features Caitlyne Gonzalez, a ten-year-old who travels across the country advocating for gun reform in honor of her friends who tragically lost their lives. Jazmin Cazares, a high school senior, shares her struggles as she navigates her final year while mourning the loss of her younger sister. Additionally, the documentary explores the challenges faced by Johnathan Hernandez, a U.S. Marine, as he grapples with the task of raising his son amidst a world plagued by gun violence. The film also follows the journey of Arnie Reyes, a surviving teacher who strives to recover from both physical injuries and the emotional trauma of losing all eleven of his students.
In addition to the personal stories, this “20/20” report provides an unprecedented and comprehensive account of the shooting incident. It includes exclusive interviews with individuals present during the event, previously unheard 911 calls, undisclosed surveillance videos, and never-before-seen body camera footage and photographs.
“It Happened Here – A Year in Uvalde” airs Friday, May 19, at 9:01 p.m. EDT on ABC, next day on Hulu.
