Over the weekend, San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins announced charges against 26 people in connection with a protest on Golden Gate Bridge April 15, 2024, which included the closure of the bridge and the trapping of thousands of people trying to cross the bridge.
The blockage of the bridge lasted about four hours. The district attorney’s office issued a release stating that “the protest was not a spontaneous event. The 26 protesters arrived together in vehicles and bicycles and they each had predesignated assignments to maximize their effectiveness and allow for the protest to be successful and cause as much disruption as possible. Each individual actively participated and was aware of the consequences of being involved. Unlike past protests, the A15 group made no attempt to acquire a permit for expressive activity, which the Golden Gate Bridge issues frequently. They made no attempt to protest in a lawful place. Their intention was to cause chaos and to disrupt the lives of citizens, which they achieved by blocking the commute traffic lanes of the Golden Gate Bridge during the morning commute.”
Jenkin’s office said about 20,000 vehicles typically use the Golden Gate Bridge during the time that the protest shut down northbound and southbound lanes; the Golden Gate Bridge District lost more than $162,000 the day of the protest.
“Regardless of the message, blocking roadways is not only illegal, but also dangerous for protesters, motorists, and first responders who must now assist in clearing the incident,” said California Highway Patrol (CHP) Chief Don Goodbrand.
Jenkin’s office said about 20,000 vehicles typically use the Golden Gate Bridge during the time that the protest shut down northbound and southbound lanes.
Arrest warrants went out for eight people charged with one count of felony conspiracy, 38 counts of false imprisonment, trespassing to interfere with a business, obstruction of a thoroughfare, unlawful assembly, refusal to disperse at a riot, and failure to obey the lawful order of a uniformed officer. Another 18 people were charged with one count of misdemeanor conspiracy and 38 counts of false imprisonment, trespassing to interfere with a business, obstruction of a thoroughfare, unlawful assembly, refusal to disperse at a riot, and failure to obey the lawful order of a uniformed officer. The individuals were ordered to surrender to the CHP by Monday, Aug. 12.
“While we must protect avenues for free speech, the exercise of free speech cannot compromise public safety,” Jenkins said in a statement issued by her office. “The demonstration on the Golden Gate Bridge caused a level of safety risk, including extreme threats to the health and welfare of those trapped, that we as a society cannot ignore or allow. We will continue to ensure that appropriate avenues for the expression of free speech and social advocacy exist and are protected in San Francisco. I truly believe that there can be free expression while maintaining the safety of our communities.”
Following the demonstration, Jenkins publicly called for individuals who had been stuck in their cars by the blockage to contact her office. She noted they “may be entitled to restitution and have other victim rights guaranteed under Marsy’s law.” More than 200 people contacted CHP. Their stories included people who missed work, flights, school, and medical appointments — including one person who missed a pre-op appointment for brain surgery. A surgeon had to cancel and reschedule their entire slate of surgeries planned for that day.
