UVALDE, Texas – The police chief of Uvalde, Daniel Rodriguez, has announced his resignation, effective on April 6. Rodriguez stated that it is time for him to embark on a new chapter in his career, expressing his gratitude to his colleagues for their support and dedication to serving and protecting the community.
The resignation follows the release of an independent report by the Uvalde City Council on the actions of police officers who responded to a mass shooting at Robb Elementary School in May 2022. The report found that the responding officers did not violate policy or engage in serious misconduct, causing distress among the families of the victims.
Veronica Mata, whose daughter was among those killed in the shooting, criticized Rodriguez’s resignation, stating that he chose to resign rather than take action against his friends within the department. Families of the victims continue to seek accountability for the tragedy that claimed the lives of 19 students and 2 teachers.
Despite being out of town at the time of the shooting, Rodriguez’s officers were among the first to respond. Assistant Chief of Police Homer Delgado will step in as interim chief of police while the city searches for a permanent replacement in consultation with the City Council.
Uvalde Mayor Cody Smith expressed gratitude for Rodriguez’s 26 years of service to the community, emphasizing that the safety of the residents remains a top priority. The city looks forward to selecting a new police chief to ensure the continued protection of the people of Uvalde.