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Officer seen on phone in Robb Elementary hallway was trying to contact wife who was killed, lawmaker says

Officers were seen in the surveillance video in the hallway for more than an hour, but not one of them attempted to confront the gunman in that time.

UVALDE, Texas — Video of the 77 minute wait to take down the Uvalde school shooter continues to spark debate and outrage. 

Officers were seen in the surveillance video in the hallway for more than an hour, but not one of them attempted to confront the gunman in that time.

Now, we're learning more about one officer seen checking his phone. He's been harshly criticized for that, but a Texas lawmaker says he had good reason.

State Rep. Joe Moody said the officer seen using his phone is the husband of Eva Mireles -- one of the teachers killed. 

His wife had called him to say she was shot and dying. DPS said he tried to get to her, but was detained and had his gun taken away.

"I'd not planned to speak publicly until the report was released, but I couldn't say nothing seeing this man, who's lost everything, maligned as if he was indifferent or actively malicious. Context matters," Moody said.

The release of the video and the investigation into the shooting are part of a Texas House committee's review of the handling of the shooting by law enforcement. Dozens of witnesses have been interviewed as part of the review.

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VIDEO: Hallway footage in Uvalde school shooting obtained by KVUE

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