Uvalde Mayor Cody Smith has resigned effective immediately, vacating his post at the same time that the city’s police chief is expected to depart. Smith cited health concerns in his statement, thanking the Uvalde community for its support during his ongoing recovery from recent unexpected health issues. The decision comes weeks after an independent report commissioned by the city defended the actions of local officers during the May 2022 Robb Elementary School shooting that left 21 people dead.
The controversial report was authored by private investigator Jesse Prado, an Austin-based investigator and former police detective, who was paid $97,000 for the independent investigation, according to city council records. Last month, Prado presented the findings of the report in a special city council meeting, prompting eruptions of anger from victims’ families and community members. The meeting was postponed with officials citing concerns for Smith’s health last week.
Smith’s announcement follows a recent announcement by Uvalde Police Chief Daniel Rodriguez that he would be stepping down effective April 6 after the city’s report found no wrongdoing by local officers who waited over an hour to confront the teen gunman armed with an AR-15-style weapon. Rodriguez made no reference to the mass shooting in his letter submitting his resignation last month. It seems like there is a shift in leadership as both mayor and police chief are stepping down at once.
