Texas Shooter's Grandfather Says Family Had No Idea He'd Purchased Guns
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The grandfather of the suspected Texas shooter who murdered at least 21 people has claimed the family had 'no idea' he bought two guns.
On Monday, 24 May, a gunman – who has been named as Salvador Ramos – opened fire inside Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas, killing at least 19 children and two teachers.
Ramos was shot dead at the scene by police.
Ramos's grandfather, 72-year-old Rolando Reyes, has since spoken out about the attack, claiming the family had no clue his grandson purchased two guns as soon as he turned 18.
As soon as his 18th birthday passed on Monday, 16 May, the teenager is reported as having purchased two AR-15 rifles and 375 rounds of 5.56 ammunition, according to law enforcement and Texas state Senator John Whitmire.
He reportedly purchased the weapons and supplies from the Oasis Outback store, located 10 minutes from his grandmother's house in Uvalde.
One gun cost him $1,870, according to a screenshot of a post on social networking site Yubo, as per The Daily Dot.
Three days before the attack, a photograph of two AR15-style rifles also appeared on an Instagram account that has been tied to the suspect.
The guns were noted as being legal purchases.
Ramos had been staying with his grandparents at the time of the shooting because of 'problems' between him and his mother.
Reyes claims that neither he nor Ramos's grandmother, 66-year-old Celia Martinez, had any idea their grandson had purchased the guns.
The grandfather told ABC News he would have 'reported' his grandson if he had known – particularly as he himself has a record that means he can't be around guns.
"I didn't know he had weapons... if I would have known, I would have reported him."
— ABC News (@ABC) May 25, 2022
Rolando Reyes spoke to @ABC News’ @mattgutmanABC about his grandson, the 18-year-old suspect in the shooting at Robb Elementary School that killed 21 people. https://t.co/ZA3yopwmMA pic.twitter.com/Mv978jHcNr
The grandfather stated neither grandparent noticed anything unusual in Ramos's behaviour on the morning of the shooting.
Reyes reflected on his grandson as not violent, but 'very quiet'. He answered: "Yes," when ABC's Matt Gutman asked if Ramos spent a lot of time in his room alone.
He also noted his grandson hadn't seemed a massive fan of school and seemed dismissive of any encouragement to get him to attend.
"He didn't go to school [...] You'd tell him, but [...] kids nowadays think they know everything," Reyes said.
Community members in Houston, Texas gathered for a vigil remembering the victims of the deadly elementary school shooting in Uvalde. https://t.co/Ww4MzZdm8f pic.twitter.com/tyM3TA2DlQ
— ABC News (@ABC) May 25, 2022
Ramos didn't have a driver's licence, nor did he know how to drive, according to his grandfather.
Reyes also questioned how his grandson had learnt to use such guns.
Prior to driving to the school, Ramos reportedly shot his grandmother in the head. She is said to be undergoing surgery today (25 May).
Reyes concluded: "It still hasn't sunk in yet."
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