[We are on WhatsApp. Start following us now]
Listen to this note:
Today, San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins announced that twenty-six people have been charged in connection with an unlawful public assembly on the Golden Gate Bridge on April 15, 2024, while protesting the war in Gaza.
Eight people are charged with one count of conspiracy to commit felonies and 18 with one count of misdemeanor conspiracy, while all are charged with 38 counts of false imprisonment, trespassing to interfere with a business, obstructing a public highway, unlawful assembly, refusal to disperse in a riot and failure to obey the lawful order of a uniformed officer.
According to a statement, an arrest warrant has been issued for each individual charged. They must surrender to the California Highway Patrol immediately, but no later than Monday, August 12.
Court appearances in San Francisco Superior Court will be scheduled as individuals turn themselves in, the San Francisco District Attorney's Office said.
“I want to thank the California Highway Patrol for their work to peacefully resolve this incident and their subsequent thorough investigation,” said District Attorney Brooke Jenkins. “While we must protect avenues for free speech, the exercise of free speech cannot compromise public safety.”
The official stressed that the demonstration on the Golden Gate Bridge created a level of security risk, including extreme threats to the health and well-being of those trapped, that "as a society we cannot ignore or allow."
"We will continue to ensure that adequate avenues for the expression of free speech and social advocacy exist and are protected in San Francisco. I truly believe that there can be freedom of expression while maintaining the safety of our communities," he added.
For his part, California Highway Patrol Chief Don Goodbrand said that while he recognizes and supports everyone's right to protest and assemble under the First Amendment, this does not extend to blocking roads and preventing the free movement of others.
“Regardless of the message, blocking roads is not only illegal, but dangerous for protesters, motorists, and first responders who must now help clear the incident. District Attorney Jenkins and her office have been a valuable partner in our efforts to hold accountable those responsible for disrupting the lives of so many people on the morning of April 15, and we are grateful for their hard work in bringing these charges,” she said.
The San Francisco District Attorney's Office said an affidavit filed in court in support of the arrest warrant describes a coordinated effort to illegally shut down the Golden Gate Bridge coinciding with the A-15 protests with the goal of disrupting the economy across the country in a coordinated manner.
As a result of the protest, he said, hundreds of motorists were trapped on the Golden Gate Bridge and US 101, who had no choice but to remain stuck on the highway for several hours.
According to an affidavit, the Golden Gate Bridge District lost more than $162,000 in revenue on April 15 due to the protest.
You may be interested in: Honorable San Francisco Police, what is it for?
