California Campus Chief Reassigned Over Pro-Palestinian Protest Response

The police chief at UCLA has been reassigned following criticism over his handling of recent campus demonstrations that included a mob attacking a pro-Palestinian encampment.

Chief John Thomas was temporarily reassigned Tuesday "pending an examination of our security processes," said Mary Osako, UCLA vice chancellor for strategic communications, in a statement released Wednesday.

Neither Osako nor Thomas identified his reassigned role, ABC Los Angeles reports.

The reassignment of Thomas follows UCLA's May 5 announcement of the creation of a new chief safety officer position to oversee campus security operations.

Thomas’ response was roundly criticized and prompted Chancellor Gene Block to order a review of campus security procedures. Block then announced that Rick Braziel, a former Sacramento police chief, would lead a new Office of Campus Safety that will oversee the UCLA Police Department.