⚖ Oral Arguments, with Context

The Fifth Circuit reviews summary judgment ending civil-rights claims from a 2021 San Antonio police shooting. During a hostage standoff, Angel Sanchez emerged from an apartment holding a shotgun and officers opened fire. A bullet entered the apartment and killed Neida Tijerina. Maria Tijerina sued three officers and the city under Section 1983. On appeal, she concedes that Officers Jose Claire and Nicholas Rodgers acted reasonably. Her remaining claim focuses on Officer Johnny Aguirre, who fired nine rifle rounds in less than two seconds. Tijerina says a jury could find that volley unreasonable because Aguirre knew hostages remained inside. The officers say Sanchez remained a threat and no clearly established law prohibited the volley. The city says there was no constitutional violation and no policy or training failure that caused one.

Tijerina v. City of San Antonio (No. 25-50719) — U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit, argued August 5, 2026.