The city of Uvalde, Texas, is facing a leadership vacuum after Mayor Cody Smith resigned due to undisclosed health issues. Smith was elected following the 2022 massacre at Robb Elementary School where a teenage gunman killed 19 students and two teachers. His platform focused on helping the city recover from the tragedy.
The resignation of Smith comes just before a City Council meeting on the Robb Elementary shooting report, following the resignation of Police Chief Daniel Rodriguez. Rodriguez’s resignation will take effect on April 6th. The city officials have faced scrutiny for their response to the shooting, with reports highlighting failures in the initial response.
Community members, including parents of victims, have expressed disappointment in Smith’s resignation. There was hope that he would work towards justice and accountability for the tragedy. With the two-year anniversary of the shooting approaching next month, tensions in the community remain high. The city of Uvalde continues to grapple with the aftermath of the tragic event and the need for effective leadership and support for the affected families.
