UCLA police chief temporarily reassigned after violence at pro-Palestine encampment

The chief of police at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) has been temporarily reassigned after violence erupted during pro-Palestinian protests on campus.

in a statement “Regarding the campus security process,” Mary Osako, the university’s vice president for strategic communications, said the university appointed Gawin Gibson as acting police chief on Tuesday.

“John Thomas has been temporarily reassigned until the completion of an investigation into our security processes,” the statement said. “As we communicated on May 5, UCLA has established a new Office of Campus Safety to lead a thorough review of our security processes with the goal of improving the well-being and safety of our community.”

It is unclear where Thomas has been reassigned, whether he still works for the University Police Department or when he will return to his previous position.

UCLA is one of many universities across the country grappling with pro-Palestinian protests on campus. Students set up camps and demanded that the university divest from Israeli companies and companies supplying weapons to Israel in its ongoing war with Hamas.

In late April, pro-Israel counter-protesters clashed with demonstrators. Counter-protesters attempted to break through barriers set up by the university to separate the two groups of protesters, resulting in a physical altercation.

Thomas told the Los Angeles Times in early May that he “did everything possible” to keep students safe during the altercation, but his response was still criticized and the university ordered a review of its safety procedures, The Associated Press reported.

Police began clearing the pro-Palestinian camp and arrested around 200 people on April 30, according to the Associated Press.

After the altercation, Osako issued a statement condemning the clash, saying the university was “heartbroken” by the outbreak of violence, as the university has a “long history” of being a venue for peaceful protests. “I am doing so,” he said.

The Hill has reached out to UCLA Police for further comment on Thomas’ reassignment.