Arizona State University confirmed Aug. 8 that ASU Police Chief Michael Thompson is retiring from his position after being placed on paid leave in May for his handling of on-campus protests. 

An ASU spokesperson explained in a statement to the Independent that Thompson has announced his retirement from the university effective Aug. 24. Thompson has been with ASU Police since 2008 and has been chief since 2014.

“The university community appreciates his years of dedicated service to ASU and wishes him well,” the spokesperson stated. 

Previously, Thompson had spent over 20 years working with the Mesa Police Department before coming to ASU.  According to the university, there is no additional information regarding Thompson's retirement at this time. 

Leading up to this announcement, Thompson had been on paid administrative leave since May, as a result of complaints being filed in relation to his actions dealing with on-campus protests on April 26 and 27. 

The pro-Palestinian encampment at ASU’s Alumni Lawn resulted in 72 arrests, and on top of the arrests, it was reported that ASU police had forcibly removed the hijabs of four student protestors. 

Thompson was also captured during the protest removing tents from the encampment.

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