Uvalde Consolidated Independent School District Police Chief Pete Arredondo is resigning from the Uvalde City Council after a month on the job.

Arredondo is the center of scrutiny of the police response to the Robb Elementary School shooting on May 24, which led to 19 students and three teachers being killed.

He said the following to Uvalde Leader-News:

“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. 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,” Arredondo said. 

“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.”

Leader-News added that the police chief insists that he was not calling the shots that day, but that the Texas Department of Public Safety Director Steven McCraw pointed the finger at him and other local officials for the failure.

According to KENS, he was elected prior to the shooting on May 7.

One of the main concerns about Arredondo’s response was how long it took for local authorities to respond, as the shooter was eventually stopped by a Border Patrol Tactical Team, the Associated Press reported.