ASU police chief on paid leave during probe

Arizona State University police Chief Michael Thompson is on paid administrative leave after multiple complaints were filed against him for how he handled a pro-Palestinian protest late last month.

On April 26, hundreds of protesters led by student organizations created a pro-Palestinian encampment that was later forcibly removed and ended in the arrests of more than 70 people, including at least 20 students. Now, the school’s police chief will be on leave until those complaints are investigated in accordance with university policy.

“The ASU Office of General Counsel is directing a review of actions surrounding the establishment and removal of an encampment on the Alumni Lawn,” a spokesperson said. “Upon completion of the review, ASU will provide an update on its findings.”

Assistant Chief John Thompson has been named acting chief in the interim.

During the protest on April 26, multiple protesters said they saw the police chief use a knife to destroy tents, which has been seen on circulated video.

The police force has also come under fire after four women said it was ASU officers who removed their hijabs without approval. ASU officials were asked by

The Republic multiple times if they can confirm or deny if the university’s officers are shown in the video.

ASU officials have not confirmed if the video featured ASU police but that they are “aware of concerns.”

An ASU spokesperson was not able to provide The Arizona Republic an answer when asked if Thompson’s leave would affect a class he’s scheduled to teach in the upcoming semester. Instead, the spokesperson said the leave is standard protocol.