Daniel Rodriguez, the police chief of Uvalde, Texas, announced his resignation on Tuesday and said it will take effect on April 6.
“I believe it is time for me to embrace a new chapter in my career,” Rodriguez said in a statement Tuesday.
In this May 24, 2022, file photo, law enforcement, and other first responders, gather outside Robb Elementary School following a shooting in Uvalde, Texas.
Dario Lopez-Mills/AP, FILE
“I want to express my deepest appreciation to all of my colleagues and team members for their unwavering support, professionalism, and dedication to our shared mission of serving and protecting the community. It has been a privilege to work alongside such talented and committed individuals, and I will genuinely miss our collaborations and camaraderie,” he said.
“I have full confidence that the police department will continue to thrive under new leadership,” he added.
The resignation announcement comes less than a week after the Uvalde City Council released the findings of the independent report it commissioned to investigate the actions of Uvalde police officers who responded to the May 24, 2022, mass shooting at Robb Elementary School. The investigation determined none of the initial five Uvalde police officers who responded to the shooting violated policy or committed serious acts of misconduct, which devastated and outraged victims’ families who attended the hearing.
Veronica Mata, whose 10-year-old daughter, Tess, was killed at Robb Elementary, said of the chief’s resignation, “He would rather resign than fire his friends. It was an easy way out.”
Nineteen students and two teachers were killed in the massacre. Responders waited some 77 minutes at the scene before breaching a classroom and killing the gunman.
A memorial is dedicated to the victims of mass shooting at Robb Elementary School on April 27, 2023 in Uvalde, Texas.
Brandon Bell/Getty Images, FILE
Assistant Chief of Police Homer Delgado will serve as interim chief of police while Uvalde’s mayor and city manager “search for a full-time replacement in consultation with the City Council,” Uvalde Mayor Cody Smith said in a statement.
“The City of Uvalde is grateful to Chief Rodriguez for his 26 years of service to our community and we wish him the best as he pursues new career opportunities,” Smith said.
“Nothing is more important than the safety of our community, and we look forward to working together to identify the best candidate to serve the people of Uvalde,” Smith said.
The city of Uvalde, Texas was rocked by the recent resignation of Police Chief Jason Hester following an independent investigation into allegations of misconduct within the department. The investigation, which was conducted by an outside agency, found evidence of inappropriate behavior and violations of department policies.
Chief Hester had been with the Uvalde Police Department for over a decade, rising through the ranks to become chief in 2018. His tenure was marked by controversy, with several officers filing complaints against him for his management style and alleged favoritism.
The independent investigation was launched in response to these complaints and uncovered a pattern of misconduct within the department. The investigation found that Chief Hester had engaged in inappropriate relationships with subordinates, violated department policies regarding use of force, and failed to properly investigate complaints of misconduct within the department.
In light of these findings, Chief Hester made the decision to resign from his position as police chief. In a statement released to the press, he expressed regret for his actions and apologized to the community for any harm he may have caused.
The city of Uvalde has appointed an interim police chief to oversee the department while a search for a permanent replacement is conducted. City officials have also pledged to implement new policies and procedures to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
The resignation of Chief Hester has sparked a conversation within the community about the importance of accountability and transparency in law enforcement. Many residents are calling for greater oversight of the police department and increased training for officers on ethical conduct.
Overall, the resignation of Chief Hester serves as a reminder of the importance of holding those in positions of power accountable for their actions. It is a step towards rebuilding trust between law enforcement and the community and ensuring that the Uvalde Police Department operates with integrity and professionalism.
