UVALDE (Texas) — Cody Briseno was a funeral attendant working across the street from the scene of Texas’s most deadly school shooting. He was among the first to confront the gunman on May 24,
After the shooting victim’s pickup had crashed outside Robb Elementary School, Briseno rushed to assist but he fled when he saw the 18-year old with an “evil” look and a gun.
Briseno, a volunteer who helped to bury many of the victims, spoke out with NBC News about the encounter. He said that he had been prepared to file charges against the shooter after his wife gave him her gun, but was told by the arriving officers to turn around.
As Briseno marched towards the school, an officer asked him, “Hey, how are you doing?” He recalled responding, “I’m going in and stop them.”
Police officers who responded to the attack that left 19 students and two teachers dead have been criticised for their slow response. Some city residents, including parents, also criticized them for not allowing them to enter the building.
Briseno stated, “I told him he’s already in the school.” He claimed that the officer had told him to keep quiet and stay back.
Briseno didn’t want to reveal the department that employs the officer.
Steve McCraw, Texas Department of Public Safety Director, said that his officers responded along with school officers, city officers and federal agents. He also stated that the delay in responding was the result of a “wrong decision.”
DPS is currently investigating both the motive and the police response to the attack. The Justice Department stated that it will also examine the law enforcement response.
Briseno stated that he spoke with investigators. A search warrant affidavit also contains details about what he and his coworker told Texas Rangers.
Briseno said that he was at the scene of the pickup truck crash outside campus with his colleague. When the driver emerged, they approached him within 8 feet.
He said, “I see him crawling from the passenger window.” “I told them, “Hey, man! Are you okay? “Are you okay?
Briseno stated, “We locked eyes and he gave him this vibe.” “At that instant, he looked right back at me…with that evil look. And what I see is the rifle.”
The gunman was eventually killed by U.S. Border Patrol agents. He grabbed an AR-15 from Briseno and began to raise it, he stated.
Briseno fell and tripped on curbs as the pair fled. He claimed he was able to see the man attaching the magazine to the weapon, before gunfire and ricocheting shots filled his ears.
Briseno stated, “I stand up and, as I run, I look back.” “And he was shooting that barrel straight at me and my coworker.”
Hillcrest Memorial Funeral Home also had another pair of workers who opened its doors for the runners and locked them in when they arrived.
Briseno saw the gunman kneeling, reloading, and then heading towards the school. He called his wife and said, “Hey, bring my gun.”
He said that gunfire was rising at the school. He claims he witnessed the man shooting into campus windows.
Briseno stated that the first officers had arrived by the time his wife arrived. He marched forward, with his gun in hand, until he was stopped and arrested by police.
Briseno emotionally said, “I feel guilty man,” “He was shooting at windows and I didn’t have my gun.”
Briseno stated that he wanted closure for the families and hopes that sharing his experiences will help investigators.
Briseno’s primary responsibility at the funeral home involves digging graves. He claimed that he has helped to bury five of his children, including one cousin, Amerie Jo Garza.
Briseno stated, “Had the job of digging the grave, setting up the tent and lowering her casket.”
When asked what was the hardest part of dealing with those events, Briseno replied that burying the children is his job. He knew that he might have been able to intervene.
