San Francisco drops felony charges against Golden Gate Bridge protesters

San Francisco officials have dropped felony conspiracy charges against seven protesters who blocked traffic on the Golden Gate Bridge in April 2024. The demonstration was part of a global day of action protesting the Israel-Gaza war.

Following a trial where jurors deadlocked on major felony counts, the seven defendants were convicted of several misdemeanors, including unlawful assembly, obstructing a thoroughfare, and false imprisonment of commuters. Each individual received a 30-day sentence—comprising jail time and a sheriff’s work program—along with six months of probation and a $1,000 fine. The defendants will receive credit for four days served pretrial.

While the felony charges were dismissed, District Attorney Brooke Jenkins emphasized that unlawful actions affecting public safety carry consequences. The remaining 19 protesters involved in the event received diversion deals involving community service and fines.