A shake up in the leadership of the Texas Rangers who are in the middle of the Uvalde school shooting investigation.
The top Texas Ranger, Chief Chance Collins, and his second in command have suddenly retired.
It's been 153 days since the Robb Elementary School shooting that left 19 children and two teachers dead. And within that time, the head of the investigation suddenly has retired.
Collins left suddenly, but sent out a resignation letter to all of the Rangers saying he wanted no official ceremony.
The email went on to say:
"I know you will continue your commitment to the citizens of Texas without fear, intimidation or political influence."
Fox San Antonio has asked The Department of Public Safety numerous times about the sudden departure, but despite our attempts to find out why, nobody has responded to our requests.
We asked Governor Greg Abbott about the sudden retirement of Chief Collins, but interesting enough, Abbott said he has never spoken to him.
Reporter: You know Chance Collins with the Texas Rangers?
Abbott: Right.
Reporter: He recently sent out an email announcing his retirement, um, to his colleagues. And this is the email right here.
Abbott: OK.
Reporter: And I highlighted that line ‘without fear, political intimidation or influence.’ Uh Was he pressured to retire? Or is he referring to some kind of political influence related to the Uvalde investigation?
Abbott: I have no information about it whatsoever. I’ve never spoken to him. I have no idea what he’s talking about.
Reporter: Do, do You do know him, right? You work with him professionally as head of the Texas Rangers. Did he have any involvement in the Uvalde investigation?
Abbott: So, truly, I have no idea.
Reporter: So, um, he wasn’t told to leave? Do you know how key he was in the investigation?
Abbott: Uh, I don’t have any recollection of ever talking to him, to be honest.
But as we uncovered, the governor has been at numerous events where Collins has shared the stage with him. Since the May 24th tragedy, Collins has briefed Abbott and others on the investigation.
"One of the biggest honors I have as governor is the opportunity to serve with Director McCraw and and the Texas Department of Public Safety and all the men and women of the Texas Rangers of the incredible organization. I want to thank the Rangers Chief Chance Collins.
From the Rangers Bicentennial to a ribbon cutting for a memorial and letters. This is a 2018 letter from Abbott to the then regional director Chance Collins after the Sante Fe shooting.
Four years later, Collins would be with the governor at another school shooting. This time in Uvalde.
We have attempted to reached Collins for clarification on his retirement email, but have not heard back from him.
Collins' second in command Bryzinksy also retired three weeks after the Uvalde mass shooting.
