Michael Thompson, the chief of police at the Arizona State University Police Department, announced his retirement from his job on Thursday, August 8.
Prior to making this declaration, Thompson had been placed on paid administrative leave since May after concerns about his handling of the April 26 and 27 on-campus protest were made.
Nearly 70 people were arrested over the course of two days as a result of the protests, which sought, among other things, that the institution break its connections with businesses that support Israel and demand transparency in the use of student fees for investments. The group was accused of violating university regulations by establishing an unapproved camp, which led to the arrests.
In addition to the arrests, it was claimed that four student protesters had their hijabs forcibly taken off by ASU police, raising questions about religious liberty and the tactfulness of the police reaction to protests.
Chief Michael Thompson was seen by ABC15 cameras removing tents from the protest site. According to the university, Thompson had just left a meeting to address the protest, which explains why he was dressed in “business casual” when he arrived.
Additionally, a protester who wished to remain anonymous provided a footage to the ABC15 investigators. In the footage, the chief was seen admitting to using a knife to cut a tent and then seemingly shoving a phone out of someone’s hand.
With effect from August 24, the retirement marks the end of Thompson’s eighteen-year tenure with ASU Police. He started working for ASU Police in 2008 and became chief in 2014. Prior to that, he spent more than 20 years as a police officer in Mesa, Arizona.
“Thompson has been with ASU Police since 2008 and was promoted to chief in 2014,” Arizona State University stated in a statement. “He was a Mesa Police Department employee for more than 20 years prior. The campus community sends its best wishes and gratitude for his many years of devoted service to ASU.”
The reason for Thompson’s resignation is still yet to be known.
Reference
Steve Wilson, August 9, 2024. ASU Police Chief Michael Thompson to Retire Amid Campus Protest Response Fallout