In a surprising development, Uvalde Police Chief Daniel Rodriguez has announced his resignation, with its effective date set for April 6. The City of Uvalde expressed gratitude for Rodriguez's 26 years of dedicated service to the community, while wishing him the best in his future career endeavors.

Mayor Cody Smith issued a statement acknowledging Chief Rodriguez's contributions and expressing the city's appreciation. He also noted that Assistant Chief of Police Homer Delgado will serve as the interim chief of police until a permanent replacement is found. Mayor Smith emphasized that the city will work in consultation with the City Council to identify the best candidate to ensure the safety of the community.

This news comes on the heels of the Uvalde City Council releasing the findings of an independent investigation into the actions of Uvalde police officers during the tragic mass shooting at Robb Elementary School on May 24, 2022. The investigation concluded that none of the initial five officers who responded to the incident violated policy or engaged in serious misconduct. However, this outcome left victims' families devastated and outraged, leading to heightened tensions surrounding the issue.

As the community comes to terms with the resignation of Chief Rodriguez, Uvalde officials remain committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of its residents. The search for a full-time replacement for the police chief position will be undertaken with utmost care and thorough consultation, to address the concerns of the community.

The upcoming transition will undoubtedly pose challenges for the Uvalde Police Department, but the city is determined to hire a qualified candidate who will help regain the trust of the community. As the interim chief takes charge, the focus remains on restoring the sense of security and ensuring effective law enforcement in Uvalde.

Uvalde residents are eagerly awaiting updates on the progress of the search for a new police chief, as the city moves forward from this period of transition.