UVALDE, Texas — Uvalde CISD superintendent Hal Harrell has placed Chief Pete Arredondo on administrative leave. Arredondo has been highly criticized by the public for his response and lack of action during the Uvalde elementary school shooting in May.

In a statement, Harrell cited a lack of clarity as the reason for his decision, but did not go into further detail.

"Because of the lack of clarity that remains and the unknown timing of when I will receive the results of the investigations, I have made the decision to place Chief Arredondo on administrative leave effective on this date," the statement read.

This decision comes one day after the Uvalde City Council unanimously denied Arredondo's request for a leave of absence. Arredondo has not been attending city council meetings after being sworn in at the beginning of June.

Harrell went on to mention that Lieutenant Mike Hernandez will continue the duties of Chief of Police, before stating that no further information will be released on the matter.