UCLA police chief temporarily reassigned in wake of counter-protest violence

In the aftermath of campus violence when counter-protesters attacked a pro-Palestinian encampment, and law enforcement lagged, UCLA Police Chief John Thomas has been temporarily removed from his post and reassigned as the new Office of Campus Safety continues to conduct an examination of the school’s security processes “aimed at enhancing the wellbeing and safety of our community,” campus officials said on Wednesday, May 22.

Thomas reassignment is pending, based on that probe.

The move was made Tuesday, according to a statement from Mary Osako, vice chancellor for strategic communications, weeks after the police agency and some administrators were criticized over their handling of demonstrations on the university’s grounds in late April — key among the complaints was the slow law-enforcement response when violence broke out at the pro-Palestinian encampment the night of April 30 and continued into the next morning.

The attack started at about 11 p.m., with LAPD officers arriving at 1 a.m. and not breaking up the confrontation until 3 a.m.

Several people were injured in the melee before police arrived.

The following day, hundreds of California Highway Patrol officers cleared the encampment, ripping apart a barricade of plywood, pallets, metal fences and trash dumpsters while also dragging away tents and canopies. More than 200 protesters or their supporters were arrested, with classes temporarily shifted to remote learning.

UCLA Police Capt. Gawin Gibson was named interim police chief, Osako said.

Thomas had been the department’s police chief since January after serving for more than a year as the department’s interim chief. His current assignment was not disclosed by officials.

Following the clearing of the encampment, Chancellor Gene Block, who also faced criticism for the handling of security for protesters, on May 5 announced the formation of the Office of Campus Safety, led by Associate Vice Chancellor Rick Braziel. That office is to thoroughly investigate the university’s security processes, including the shortfalls that left UCLA students and others to fend for themselves against attackers for hours until law enforcement arrived.

“The well-being of our students, faculty and staff is paramount,” Block said in the May 5 statement. “These actions are essential for creating a secure environment where everyone at UCLA can confidently pursue their studies and careers.”

The following morning, more than 40 people were arrested in a campus parking garage. UCLA Police said they were carrying materials indicating they were prepared to break into and possibly barricade themselves in a building. Of those arrested, 35 were UCLA students.