The chief of the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Police Department, John Thomas, is facing criticism for a series of security lapses leading up to a violent attack on a pro-Palestinian encampment on campus. According to the Los Angeles Times, campus leadership had instructed Chief Thomas to develop a safety plan for the campus community days prior to the attack, but he failed to do so.

Sources revealed that UCLA's leadership had directed Chief Thomas to spare no expense in bringing in additional UC police officers, offering overtime, and hiring private security personnel to maintain peace. However, despite repeated requests, he did not provide a plan to senior UCLA leadership, even after skirmishes occurred between Israel supporters and pro-Palestinian advocates during dueling rallies.

Chief Thomas had previously assured UCLA officials that he could quickly mobilize law enforcement personnel, but it took three hours for enough officers to be brought in to bring the situation under control. This delay has raised concerns about the response time and capability of the UCLA Police Department.

In response to the violent incident, University of California President Michael Drake has initiated an investigation into UCLA's handling of the situation. He has written a letter to the UC board of regents, requesting a detailed account of the events and ordering an independent review of the university's planning, actions, and the response by law enforcement.

The clashes were severe enough to result in the cancellation of classes on the following day. Several prominent figures, including California Governor Gavin Newsom, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, and the Jewish Federation of Los Angeles, have publicly condemned the violence that occurred on the UCLA campus.

The pro-Palestinian encampment, which had been present on the campus for a week, was raided and dismantled by the police on Thursday. The aftermath of the incident left the campus in disarray and prompted wider questions about security measures and preparedness at UCLA.

As investigations continue, it remains to be seen what consequences may arise for Chief Thomas and the university's leadership in dealing with the security lapses and the violent attack on the pro-Palestinian encampment.