EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — Questions continue to loom as multiple agencies investigate the officer-involved shooting that left an ex-FBI special agent dead last week.
As KTSM reported, Julio Cordero was allegedly vandalizing Franklin High School Aug. 22 when he encountered an El Paso Independent School District police officer. The incident resulted in that officer discharging his weapon, killing Cordero.
Cordero’s family tells KTSM that Julio Cordero suffered from mental illness and was known to vandalize property when experiencing episodes, but he was not a violent man.
As the investigation continues, sources tell KTSM, police officers employed by EPISD do not have tasers at their disposal.
When KTSM reached out to the district to comment on this, it said:
“The safety and well-being of our students, staff, and community members are of paramount importance to El Paso ISD, and our police department is committed to maintaining the highest standards of conduct and safety. As the investigation into the recent shooting at Franklin High School is ongoing, we are unable to comment on specific details. We are fully cooperating with local authorities in their investigation. We are committed to ensuring that all protocols are followed rigorously and that our officers are well-prepared to handle any situation with the utmost professionalism.”
EPISD did not clarify what, if any, non-lethal weapons officers were equipped with while on duty.
“Publicly, I’d tell them, ‘Shame on you because you’re working with students.’ I can’t imagine you not carrying a taser when you’re surrounded by adolescents who make rash decisions in a moment’s notice,” said Marco Cordero, brother of Julio.
Marco Cordero said he and his family are prepared to accept whatever outcome the investigation finds. They only want transparency about the incident.
FBI El Paso posted on the social media platform X its own message about Cordero, saying:
“We are heartbroken from the loss of retired Special Agent Julio Cordero. He worked in #FBIEP from 9/1996 to 3/2019. He was an amazing agent, colleague, & friend. His dedication to the #FBI made this office & the people around him better. Our hearts are with the Cordero family.”
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