Families of students killed in the Uvalde, Texas school massacre are set to testify at the trial of officer Adrian Gonzales, who is charged with 29 counts of child abandonment or endangerment for hesitating to act during the deadly shooting. Opening statements began Tuesday in a case that tests accountability for police reaction in such tragedies.

The shooting, which resulted in the deaths of 19 students and two teachers at Robb Elementary School, saw officers wait over an hour before confronting the shooter. Gonzales claims he attempted to save the children, and his defense argues he feared for his life. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of two years in prison.

This rare prosecution against law enforcement for inaction brings the scrutiny of how nearly 400 officers responded to the scene, with many families expressing disappointment over the lack of further charges. A jury is expected to hear testimonies from various witnesses, including FBI agents and emergency dispatchers, while concerns linger over the implications of the trial on law enforcement protocols nationwide.

Law enforcement agencies have faced criticism for their slow response to such critical incidents, prompting calls for greater accountability within the policing system.