Austin, Texas – City of Uvalde’s Mayor Cody Smith has announced his resignation, citing health reasons, amidst ongoing recovery from unexpected health issues. The resignation comes at a time when the police chief of the small Texas city is also set to depart, two years after a tragic school shooting incident.
Smith expressed his gratitude towards the Uvalde community for their support during his health struggles, but did not provide specific details regarding his condition. The decision to step down follows a controversial report commissioned by the city in response to the 2022 Robb Elementary School shooting, which resulted in the death of 21 individuals.
The report, authored by private investigator Jesse Prado, defended the actions of local law enforcement during the response to the school shooting, which involved nearly 400 officials from various agencies. Despite the findings of the report, Uvalde City Council members are expected to discuss the matter further, with the recent meeting being postponed due to concerns for the mayor’s health.
In addition to Mayor Smith’s resignation, Uvalde Police Chief Daniel Rodriguez also announced his departure, effective in April, following the release of the report. Rodriguez, who was on vacation during the school shooting incident, stated that it was time for a new chapter in his career without referencing the tragic event.
Prado’s presentation of the report at a city council meeting sparked anger and frustration among victims’ families and community members, highlighting the ongoing impact of the tragic shooting. The circumstances surrounding the departure of both Mayor Smith and Chief Rodriguez raise questions about accountability and leadership in the aftermath of such a devastating event.
As Uvalde navigates these transitions in leadership, the community remains vigilant in seeking justice and healing from the trauma of the school shooting. The resignations of key officials underscore the challenges faced by the city in moving forward and rebuilding trust in the wake of such a tragic event.