Walmart apologizes for Uvalde shirt amid backlash

Editors Note: This story was updated on April 18, 2024 to reflect the relationship between Brett Cross and Robb Elementary School shooting victim Uziyah Garcia. Cross is an uncle to Uzi.

UVALDE, Texas ( ValleyCentral ) — Walmart has issued an apology for selling an Uvalde-themed shirt after hundreds voiced their displeasure on social media.

Brett Cross, the uncle of 10-year-old Uziyah Garcia who was killed in the Robb Elementary School shooting in 2022, shared a photo of the shirt on X .

The shirt features the state of Texas, with the text “Where the heck is Uvalde, Texas?”

Cross shared the photo with the caption “Oh you know, that town by San Antonio where 19 kids and two teachers were killed.”

ValleyCentral reached out to Walmart, who issued an apology and said the store immediately removed the item once it was learned that customers found the wording distasteful.

“Our stores have always been central to the communities they serve, and our store managers have the ability to purchase merchandise that is locally relevant,” a statement from Walmart reads. “Though well intended, we apologize for any distress this item has caused.”

Cross’s post has garnered more than 120,000 views.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WOWK 13 News.