26 Protesters Charged for Blocking Golden Gate Bridge

The San Francisco District Attorney's office has charged 26 individuals in connection with an April protest that obstructed the Golden Gate Bridge for nearly five hours, causing significant disruption for hundreds of drivers. District Attorney Brooke Jenkins announced the charges, which include felony conspiracy, false imprisonment, and obstruction of a thoroughfare, among others. Arrest warrants have been issued, and the suspects are required to surrender to the California Highway Patrol by Monday. The protest involved demonstrators chaining themselves to vehicles, which led to severe traffic congestion and left many drivers, including a mother with her baby and a surgeon, unable to reach critical appointments. Jenkins emphasized the need to balance free speech with public safety, stating that the protest posed extreme risks to those trapped on the bridge. The California Highway Patrol had to intervene, cutting into vehicles to facilitate the removal of protesters. The protest coincided with heightened tensions surrounding the Israel-Gaza conflict, with Jenkins noting that the charges were filed on the same day as a deadly Israeli airstrike. While no injuries were reported, the disruption resulted in numerous missed medical appointments and significant distress for those stuck on the bridge. The protest reportedly cost the Golden Gate Bridge district over $162,000 in lost revenue, with the DA's office estimating that around 20,000 vehicles were affected during the incident.