Charlottesville Police Chief Resigns After Criticism of His White Nationalist Rally Response

Alfred Thomas, the police chief in Charlottesville, Virginia, has announced his retirement on Monday after 27 years of law enforcement service. The decision comes just weeks after the release of a critical review of his department's reaction to a violent white nationalist rally over the summer.

"Nothing in my career has brought me more pride than serving as the Police Chief for the City of Charlottesville," Thomas said in a statement announcing the retirement is effective immediately. "I will be forever grateful for having had the opportunity to protect and serve a community I love so dearly."

The statement said City Manager Maurice Jones will appoint an interim police chief within the next week and the city will begin searching for its new chief.