UVALDE, Texas — Family members said they are struggling to hear from many Texas Lawmakers including the Governor of Texas.
"For everybody out there getting ready to vote, since this has happened Governor Greg Abbott has yet to reach out," said Angel Garza father of 10-year-old Amerie Jo Garza.
25 News obtained the Governor's schedule from May 25 to June 14 through an open records request. The Governor's schedule shows his last visit on June 5th.
“Governor Abbott and First Lady Abbott join all Texans in mourning every single innocent life lost that tragic day, and we pray for the families who are suffering from the loss of a loved one. Governor Abbott has been to the community multiple times, visiting with every family who requested a meeting and joining his fellow Texans to grieve and worship at events into June. Many families requested private funerals, and the Governor and First Lady instead sent flowers and condolences to let the loved ones know they remain in their prayers.
The Governor and his office remain in regular contact with Mayor McLaughlin and Uvalde leaders, speaking on an almost daily basis to ensure the Uvalde community is receiving the support and all available resources needed to heal. Every request made so far by the victims’ families and local leaders have been met, including providing a $5 million grant [gov.texas.gov] to be used at the discretion of local leaders for the long-term Family Resiliency Center.”
Governor Greg Abbott schedule by Nick Bradshaw on Scribd
The Governor's schedule does show while in Uvalde he did attend multiple public vigils but no mentions of attending funerals.
We did reach out to Governor Abbott's campaign and his office.
"The Governor’s State office should answer these questions. It’s not appropriate for the campaign to be involved. You should direct your questions to the Governor’s state press office," said Mark Miner from the Governor's campaign.
We reached out to Beto Beto O'Rourke's office. They didn't want to confirm how many funerals the Democratic candidate attended but family members confirm he has attended some.
On Sunday O'Rourke was in Uvalde marching with hundreds asking for a change in gun laws.
Standing up with Uvalde against gun violence and for accountability.
— Beto O'Rourke (@BetoORourke) July 11, 2022
Thank you to the families who organized today’s march and rally. pic.twitter.com/NAHRYmCx6f
We requested a comment from Governor Greg Abbott and have not heard back.
Family members from Uvalde say they are not hearing from some Texas Lawmakers. I was able to obtain @GovAbbott schedule, the last visit to Uvalde was when @POTUS came on May 29. He did attend public vigil, nothing on his schedule about funerals. pic.twitter.com/m54zUwxEK6
— Nick Bradshaw (@nbradshawtv) July 13, 2022
Garza said he hasn't heard from Senator Ted Cruz as well on Tuesday.
According to Ted Cruz's office, a meeting was scheduled for Wednesday but was canceled by family members.
“Senator Cruz had a meeting with Uvalde family members scheduled for today. Unfortunately, they ended up having to cancel it," said Darin Miller from Cruz's office.
Miller said Sen. Ted Cruz is dedicated to helping those from Uvalde.
"He is working hard to get the community of Uvalde answers about what went wrong and why," Miller said. "He has also introduced legislation and pressed to enact reforms that would double the number of school resource officers, hire 15,000 school-based mental health professionals to ensure there is early intervention to identify and help at-risk kids, to provide significant resources for enhanced school safety, and to improve the gun background system and prosecute persons who try to illegally buy guns. The Senator will continue to do so and work with anyone to put into place these common-sense reforms.”
What Ted Cruz has purposed in the past is far from what families said they are asking for.
"These guys don't have compassion for us, they don't care," said Garza.
Senator Ted Cruz was also in attendance at public vigils.
Family members in DC are asking lawmakers to change laws when it comes to buying AR-style rifles for individuals 18 to 21. The family said they haven't been able to meet with lawmakers from Texas, just staff.
The Uvalde County commissioners passed a resolution calling for a special session, raising age to buy AR-15s.
On Tuesday at a city council meeting the Uvalde Mayor said he's in favor of raising the age and requiring a class.
"This isn't some plot or anything, this is real life, this is hurting all of us,"said Garza.
Lawmakers from around the country are joining family members at the rally in DC.
On Sunday hundreds gathered in hot temperatures in Uvalde marching for change.
