Former ASU Police Chief Michael Thompson has retired three months after being placed on administrative leave for his actions during student protests in April.
An internal and external investigation into Thompson's conduct was launched by The Scottsdale Police Department after a video obtained by ABC 15 allegedly showed Thompson slashing protesters' tents with a knife, removing them and hitting a phone out of the videographer's hand.
READ MORE: ASU police department chief placed on leave due to actions during pro-Palestine encampment
On July 4, the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran placed sanctions on Thompson, banning him from entering Iranian territory, owning Iranian assets and making Iranian transactions. Iranian officials stated that Thompson was responsible for a "flagrant violation of human rights by suppressing (the) pro-Palestine student protest movement."
READ MORE: Iran imposes sanctions on ASU Police Department Chief
Thompson has taught multiple classes at ASU, and was scheduled to teach an ASU course called "Introduction to Criminal Investigations" in the fall, but this has been removed from online class listings.
"Thompson has been with ASU Police since 2008 and was promoted to police chief in 2014," an ASU spokesperson said in an emailed statement. "He previously spent more than 20 years with the Mesa Police Department. The university community appreciates his years of dedicated service to ASU and wishes him well."
Thompson's retirement will go into effect on Aug. 24.
Scottsdale Police Department declined to comment on their investigation.
Editor's Note: This is a developing story and may be updated.
Edited by River Graziano, Sophia Ramirez, Madeline Schmitke and Alysa Horton.
Reach the reporter at njarret1@asu.edu and @nataliajarrett on X.
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Natalia is a sophomore studying journalism and mass communication. This is her third semester with The State Press. She has also worked as a politics reporter.
