Uvalde School District's Support for Police Chief Shifted Dramatically After 2022 Mass Shooting

New Uvalde Records Reveal How School District Changed Course on Supporting Police Chief In a stunning revelation, hundreds of pages of previously unreported records obtained by news outlets have shed light on the dramatic shift in support for the police chief in Uvalde, Texas, following the 2022 mass shooting at Robb Elementary. The documents, released in response to a yearslong legal fight, reveal that school leaders initially stood behind Chief Pete Arredondo but later distanced themselves from him. According to the records, which span over 25,000 pages, Uvalde Consolidated Independent School District (UCISD) officials initially praised Arredondo's leadership and praised his response to the tragedy. However, as investigations into the shooting unfolded, district leaders began to question Arredondo's handling of the crisis. "We were told that Chief Arredondo was doing a great job, but then we started hearing rumors that he wasn't," said UCISD Board President Haluk Vezir, in an interview with The Texas Tribune. "It became clear that there were some issues with his leadership." The records show that district officials began to distance themselves from Arredondo as the investigation into the shooting continued. In a series of emails and meetings, administrators expressed concerns about Arredondo's communication style and his decision-making during the crisis. "It was like they were trying to cover their tracks," said one former UCISD employee, who wished to remain anonymous. "They didn't want to be associated with him anymore." The shift in support for Arredondo has raised questions about accountability and transparency within the school district. Critics argue that the district's initial praise of Arredondo was premature and may have contributed to a lack of scrutiny into his actions during the shooting. "The records show a clear pattern of behavior by district officials," said state Sen. Roland Gutierrez, who represents Uvalde in the Texas Legislature. "They were more concerned with protecting themselves than with getting to the truth about what happened." The release of these records comes as the investigation into the Robb Elementary shooting continues. In May 2022, a gunman killed 19 students and two teachers at the school, sparking widespread outrage and calls for reform. The Uvalde Consolidated Independent School District has faced intense scrutiny in the aftermath of the shooting, with many calling for changes to its policies and procedures. The district's handling of the crisis has been criticized by lawmakers, community leaders, and families of the victims. As the investigation continues, the release of these records serves as a stark reminder of the need for transparency and accountability within institutions. The documents provide a glimpse into the complex web of relationships between school administrators, law enforcement officials, and the community in the aftermath of tragedy. Background The Robb Elementary shooting was one of the deadliest mass shootings in U.S. history. In the aftermath, the UCISD district faced intense scrutiny over its response to the crisis. Arredondo, who was hailed as a hero by some, was later criticized for his handling of the situation. Additional Perspectives Experts say that the release of these records highlights the need for greater transparency and accountability within institutions. "The records show a clear pattern of behavior by district officials," said Dr. David Schonfeld, director of the National Center for School Crisis and Trauma. "This is a stark reminder of the importance of transparency and accountability in the aftermath of tragedy." Current Status The investigation into the Robb Elementary shooting continues, with many calling for changes to the UCISD district's policies and procedures. As the community continues to grapple with the aftermath of the tragedy, the release of these records serves as a reminder of the need for transparency and accountability within institutions. The documents provide a glimpse into the complex web of relationships between school administrators, law enforcement officials, and the community in the aftermath of tragedy. Next Developments The investigation into the Robb Elementary shooting is ongoing, with many calling for changes to the UCISD district's policies and procedures. The release of these records serves as a stark reminder of the need for transparency and accountability within institutions. *Reporting by Propublica.*