CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas \u2014 Outside the Nueces County Courthouse, the scene suggested the start of something big. Barricades were up, police were visible, and national media gathered ahead of jury selection in the Uvalde case.<\/p>\n
Inside, the first day felt far more ordinary.<\/p>\n
There were no long lines or crowded hallways. Instead, visitors described a quiet courthouse and a slower-than-expected pace.<\/p>\n
\u201cI thought it was going to be packed, but\u2026here we are\u201d said one man waiting inside, shrugging as he looked around.<\/p>\n
The calm extended beyond jury selection. County offices inside the courthouse remained open and largely unaffected.<\/p>\n
Quiet first day of jury selection in Uvalde case surprises at Nueces County Courthouse<\/p>\n
At the Nueces County Tax Assessor\u2019s Office, daily business continued with little interruption.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf people have business to do here, it\u2019s not hard to get in now,\u201d said Nueces County Tax Assessor Kevin Kieschnick. \u201cFeel free to come on down and get it done.\u201d<\/p>\n
Last week, the Texas Department of Public Safety asked residents to stay away from the courthouse unless their business was pressing. On the first day of jury selection, that request appeared to have worked.<\/p>\n
Even jury selection itself moved efficiently, with some prospective jurors processed and dismissed within a relatively short time.<\/p>\n
Officials say courthouse activity is expected to increase as the trial moves forward.<\/p>\n
The judge hearing the case says testimony could begin as soon as tomorrow.<\/p>\n
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