The head of the UCLA police force has been temporarily “reassigned” after criticism of the university’s response to campus protests over the war in Gaza, Vice Chancellor Mary Osako said Wednesday.
Chief John Thomas will step down from his position while the university completes “an investigation” into its security processes, Osako said in a statement. The university appointed Gawin Gibson as acting head of the department on Tuesday. On May 5, the university established the new Campus of Office Safety in the wake of widespread criticism over its handling of demonstrations that attracted hundreds of people just days earlier.
Two days later, UC President Michael V. Drake — who oversees all 10 campuses within the public university system — announced there would be an independent investigation into UCLA’s handling of the protests. The UC system has hired a company called 21st Century Policing Solutions, which is led by national experts in policing and civil rights, according to a statement from UC President Drake.
On May 1, more than 200 people were arrested when officers in full riot gear dismantled an encampment set up on campus by pro-Palestinian protesters. Violent clashes broke out a day earlier when fireworks were thrown at the encampment and some people were gassed with tear gas.
LA Mayor Karen Bass called for “a full investigation into what happened on campus last night,” while Gov. Gavin Newsom said his office was “closely monitoring the situation at UCLA” and in contact with law enforcement agencies.
In the wake of widespread criticism of UCLA’s response, more than 900 faculty and staff at universities in the UC system – including UCLA – signed a petition demanding Chancellor Block’s resignation. Professors and lecturers from several departments spoke out, accusing the police response of being too violent and saying the university had violated the right to free speech of students and other protesters.
In addition to the UC investigation, the Los Angeles Police Department and other law enforcement agencies continue to investigate the violent clashes that broke out during demonstrations.
On Tuesday, LAPD Assistant Chief Daniel Randolph said the agency helped UCLA police track down who attacked pro-Palestinian protesters on April 30. At a meeting of the LA Police Commission, he said detectives would look at photos from that night to identify possible potential victims. suspects involved in one of the violent crimes committed.
This is a development story. Check back for updates.
