Retired Santa Fe ISD police officer John Barnes, critically injured in the 2018 Santa Fe High School shooting, has been denied a federal benefit after years of waiting, raising concerns over delays in the Public Safety Officers’ Benefits Program (PSOB).
John Barnes’ Heroic Actions During the Santa Fe Shooting
In May 2018, Officer John Barnes was the first to confront the gunman at Santa Fe High School. During the confrontation, Barnes was shot, severely injuring his arm and nearly costing him his life. He had to be revived twice that day, and the permanent damage to his arm forced him into medical retirement from law enforcement.
Denied After Years of Waiting
Barnes applied for benefits from the PSOB program a year after the shooting, hoping for financial support due to his catastrophic injury. After years of waiting, he was recently informed that his application was denied. Barnes expressed frustration, stating, “I don’t know why exactly I was denied,” and noted that he had not received any detailed explanation yet.
PSOB and Its Purpose
The PSOB program, managed by the Bureau of Justice Assistance under the U.S. Department of Justice, provides one-time benefits to families of first responders killed in the line of duty or those who suffer catastrophic injuries. Barnes’ denial has sparked outrage, particularly due to the lengthy wait time and lack of clarity on the decision.
Lawmakers Step In: The Officer John Barnes Act
Texas Congressman Randy Weber and Senator Ted Cruz have voiced strong support for Barnes, demanding accountability from the PSOB. Both lawmakers have reintroduced the “Officer John Barnes Act,” which aims to set a 270-day deadline for processing PSOB claims. This legislation was initially introduced last year and has been refiled with the new Congress in session.
Cruz emphasized, “Our law enforcement officers deserve timely access to benefits. Officer Barnes has waited far too long, and we must remove the bureaucratic barriers that prevent our heroes from receiving the support they’ve earned.”
Why Barnes Was Left Without Support
Barnes, who retired from the Houston Police Department after 23 years of service, had only worked with the Santa Fe ISD police for four months before the shooting. As part of the Teacher Retirement System (TRS), he did not meet the 10-year service requirement for full disability benefits, leaving him with limited financial support despite his extensive law enforcement career.
The Financial Struggle After Injury
Barnes highlighted the challenges he faces, stating, “I can’t work jobs that require physical effort because of my arm. After 23 years as a police officer, I can’t use that experience to earn a better living now.” His inability to return to law enforcement or take on physically demanding jobs has added to his frustration and financial strain.
Previous Efforts to Reform PSOB
The PSOB’s lengthy claim process has faced criticism for years. In 2015, a DOJ audit suggested improvements, and in 2017, Congress passed the Public Safety Officers’ Benefits Improvement Act to address delays. However, Barnes’ case highlights that issues persist, with a PSOB report from February 2025 showing 662 pending disability claims and over 1,300 pending applications.
John Barnes’ case has brought renewed attention to the challenges faced by injured first responders when seeking federal benefits. With support from lawmakers like Cruz and Weber, there is hope that reforms will be implemented to ensure timely support for public safety officers. Barnes’ story is a reminder of the sacrifices made by law enforcement and the need for a system that supports them without unnecessary delays.
Retired Santa Fe ISD police officer John Barnes, critically injured in the 2018 Santa Fe High School shooting, has been denied a federal benefit after years of waiting, raising concerns over delays in the Public Safety Officers’ Benefits Program (PSOB).
John Barnes’ Heroic Actions During the Santa Fe Shooting
In May 2018, Officer John Barnes was the first to confront the gunman at Santa Fe High School. During the confrontation, Barnes was shot, severely injuring his arm and nearly costing him his life. He had to be revived twice that day, and the permanent damage to his arm forced him into medical retirement from law enforcement.
Denied After Years of Waiting
Barnes applied for benefits from the PSOB program a year after the shooting, hoping for financial support due to his catastrophic injury. After years of waiting, he was recently informed that his application was denied. Barnes expressed frustration, stating, “I don’t know why exactly I was denied,” and noted that he had not received any detailed explanation yet.
PSOB and Its Purpose
The PSOB program, managed by the Bureau of Justice Assistance under the U.S. Department of Justice, provides one-time benefits to families of first responders killed in the line of duty or those who suffer catastrophic injuries. Barnes’ denial has sparked outrage, particularly due to the lengthy wait time and lack of clarity on the decision.
Lawmakers Step In: The Officer John Barnes Act
Texas Congressman Randy Weber and Senator Ted Cruz have voiced strong support for Barnes, demanding accountability from the PSOB. Both lawmakers have reintroduced the “Officer John Barnes Act,” which aims to set a 270-day deadline for processing PSOB claims. This legislation was initially introduced last year and has been refiled with the new Congress in session.
Cruz emphasized, “Our law enforcement officers deserve timely access to benefits. Officer Barnes has waited far too long, and we must remove the bureaucratic barriers that prevent our heroes from receiving the support they’ve earned.”
Why Barnes Was Left Without Support
Barnes, who retired from the Houston Police Department after 23 years of service, had only worked with the Santa Fe ISD police for four months before the shooting. As part of the Teacher Retirement System (TRS), he did not meet the 10-year service requirement for full disability benefits, leaving him with limited financial support despite his extensive law enforcement career.
The Financial Struggle After Injury
Barnes highlighted the challenges he faces, stating, “I can’t work jobs that require physical effort because of my arm. After 23 years as a police officer, I can’t use that experience to earn a better living now.” His inability to return to law enforcement or take on physically demanding jobs has added to his frustration and financial strain.
Previous Efforts to Reform PSOB
The PSOB’s lengthy claim process has faced criticism for years. In 2015, a DOJ audit suggested improvements, and in 2017, Congress passed the Public Safety Officers’ Benefits Improvement Act to address delays. However, Barnes’ case highlights that issues persist, with a PSOB report from February 2025 showing 662 pending disability claims and over 1,300 pending applications.
John Barnes’ case has brought renewed attention to the challenges faced by injured first responders when seeking federal benefits. With support from lawmakers like Cruz and Weber, there is hope that reforms will be implemented to ensure timely support for public safety officers. Barnes’ story is a reminder of the sacrifices made by law enforcement and the need for a system that supports them without unnecessary delays.
