San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins announced on Saturday that protesters who blocked traffic on the Golden Gate Bridge in April are facing false imprisonment charges, among others. The protest involved parking vehicles on the bridge and chaining them together, preventing authorities from removing the protesters immediately.
The charges come amid ongoing tensions in the Middle East, including an Israeli airstrike in Lebanon that killed a senior Hamas figure. The protesters were denouncing U.S. support for Israel’s war in Gaza, which has sparked international backlash.
While no injuries were reported during the protests, several issues arose for drivers stuck on the bridge, such as missed appointments, concerns for disabled individuals, and logistical challenges. Over 200 people called the California Highway Patrol to report being trapped on the bridge, with an estimated 20,000 vehicles affected.
The demonstration, known as the A15 protests, cost the Golden Gate Bridge district over $162,000 in lost revenue, according to Jenkins. Governor Gavin Newsom supported holding the protesters accountable for their actions, emphasizing the importance of upholding public safety while respecting free speech.
The protesters, totaling 26 individuals, must surrender to the CHP by Monday. The charges include felony conspiracy, misdemeanor conspiracy, trespassing, unlawful assembly, and failure to obey a uniformed officer. Jenkins stressed the balance between protecting free speech and ensuring public safety, highlighting the risks posed by the protesters’ actions.
Overall, the prosecution of the Golden Gate Bridge protesters reflects the complex intersections of free speech, activism, and public safety in an increasingly contentious global context.
