New iPad frozen after software update

I am setting up a new A16 iPad. I transferred data from old iPad successfully. Now, the new iPad is frozen in the screen "Software Update Complete. Your iPad has been updated to iPadOS 26.2". After multiple forced restarts, it eventually allowed me to hit Continue and then goes to Wi-Fi Network screen where it automatically selects and logs into my home wifi which it used during the setup and transfer of data from old iPad. After multiple forced restarts, the iPad only gets as far as the wifi screen, and freezes. I think I got a lemon and need to return it to Costco, but now all my data is on the new iPad and I can't delete it. Any advice.