It’s rare that we’ve seen any actual consequences for the violent pro-Hamas rioters who plagued campuses across the nation last spring and who continue to shut down highways, vandalize public property, and bring mayhem to our streets in the name of “peace.” It’s refreshing then to read that 26 of the ne’er-do-wells are being charged with false imprisonment (and other counts) after shutting down San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge for four and a half hours in April, trapping helpless drivers in their cars.
Fox News’ Bill Melugin shared the news on social media:
NEW: SF DA charges 26 people in connection the anti-Israel protest that shut down the Golden Gate Bridge in April. Some charged w/ felony conspiracy, false imprisonment, etc. Arrest warrants issued. Victims include someone missing a pre-op brain surgery appointment to remove a… pic.twitter.com/oYi3vtEIhN
— Bill Melugin (@BillMelugin_) August 10, 2024
His tweet continues:
Victims include someone missing a pre-op brain surgery appointment to remove a brain tumor, a surgeon who had to cancel and reschedule their entire surgery schedule for the day, and a disabled child being stuck on a school bus for four hours on the bridge. Hundreds were trapped on the bridge against their will. Some serious charges here via SFDA Brooke Jenkins – who has taken a tougher on crime approach following the recall of former SFDA Chesa Boudin.
DA Jenkins is including eight felonies among the charges:
Charges were announced for 26 people, including eight who are facing charges of felony conspiracy and 18 facing misdemeanor conspiracy. Other charges include trespassing, unlawful assembly and failure to obey a uniformed officer, among other charges.
The protest involved a group parking vehicles and sitting next to them with a chain that ran through the vehicles’ windows and was locked to those sitting on the bridge. The chain prevented California Highway Patrol officers from immediately removing the protesters.
Not cool:
Both directions of the Golden Gate Bridge have been shut down due to a Pro-Palestinian protest. Demonstrators have blocked the southbound direction of Highway 101. This is the second protest causing major back-ups on Bay Area roadways, the demonstration has blocked northbound… pic.twitter.com/oO5dMCvqFD
— ABC7 News (@abc7newsbayarea) April 15, 2024
Background: WATCH: Pro-Hamas Protesters Shut Down the Golden Gate Bridge, Police Respond
CHP Video of Hysterical Golden Gate Bridge Blocker Being Pried Out of Concrete Barrel Is Chef’s Kiss
Although there were no serious injuries or deaths that were caused by the shutdown, numerous people were affected, and lives easily could have been lost:
No injuries were reported by Jenkins in connection with the protests, but several issues like missed surgeries and medical appointments, a baby without water for infant formula, and people stuck without bathrooms were just some of the issues people on the bridge faced.
Jenkins also said a mother was concerned for her disabled son who was stuck on a school bus on the bridge. Missed work and flights were also reported to the DA.
It’s also refreshing that an official is willing to dispense with the Leftist gaslighting we’ve seen so much of and admit that the right to free speech does not equal a right to commit violence. I’m just amazed that it’s a San Francisco DA that’s coming clean:
“While we must protect avenues for free speech, the exercise of free speech can not compromise public safety,” Jenkins said in a statement. “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,” she said.
Tactics utilized by unlawful protesters this morning on I-880 and the Golden Gate Bridge. This is unlawful and will not be tolerated. Arrests were made and the CHP is recommending charges. Thank you to our law enforcement partners for their assistance. pic.twitter.com/Nn4fdqD08m
— CHP Headquarters (@CHP_HQ) April 16, 2024
Even the Golden State’s far-left governor, Gavin Newsom, thought the protest went too far.
“Free speech is critical, but it does not extend to endangering the public. People need to be held accountable for their actions,” Newsom said in a statement following the protest in April.
I never thought I’d be writing these words to a San Franciso DA, but well done, Ms. Jenkins.
