Mayor Marty Walsh and Police Commissioner William Gross and others toured a neighborhood during a community peace walk in Boston in October.Barry Chin/Globe Staff
The abrupt retirement announcement Thursday of Boston Police Commissioner William Gross unleashed a torrent of speculation that upended Boston politics, which is quickly shifting amid the imminent departure of Mayor Martin J. Walsh.
Gross, the cityâs first Black police commissioner, addressed the most pressing rumor himself. No, Gross said, he would not be running for mayor. But even with Grossâ declaration, questions persist.
Why now? Whatâs next? Would he endorse a candidate or play some other political role?