Uvalde police chief Pete Arredondo announces his resignation

Uvalde police chief Pete Arredondo told the Uvalde Leader-News on Friday that he will be resigned from his seat on the Uvalde city council.

“After much consideration, I regret to inform those who voted for me that I have decided to step down as a member of the city council for District 3,” Arredondo said. “The mayor, the city council, and the city staff must continue to move forward without distractions. I feel this is the best decision for Uvalde.”

According to the Uvalde Leader-News, Arredondo, 50, was elected to the District 3 council position on May 7 and was sworn in on May 31, seven days after the May 24 mass shooting at Robb Elementary School, in which 19 students and two teachers died. Arredondo has been on administrative leave since June 22, the WSJ reports.

While many city and state officials have criticized Arredondo for the police response to the mass shooting, he has repeatedly claimed that he didn’t know he was the commanding officer at the time of the incident.

Arredondo added, “As we continue to grieve over the tragedy that occurred on May 24th, we pray for the families involved and our community. Uvalde has a rich history of loving and supporting thy neighbor and we must continue to do so. In speaking with other communities that have had similar tragedies, the guidance has been the same… continue to support the families, continue to support our community, and definitely, to keep our faith.”

“As I think about my life, from growing up as a child and to adulthood, Uvalde has held an attraction that is very unique. At the center of that attraction, is our community members. Together, we will keep Uvalde strong. Uvalde strong, Uvalde home,” said Arredondo, who grew up in Uvalde and has worked in law enforcement for nearly 30 years.