A San Francisco jury convicted seven pro-Palestine protesters on July 3, 2026, for multiple misdemeanour charges related to a demonstration that blocked the Golden Gate Bridge on April 15, 2024. The activists were found guilty of charges including false imprisonment and obstruction of a thoroughfare, while the jury remained deadlocked on a felony conspiracy charge.
Misdemeanour Convictions from the Protest
The seven activists, identified as Bhavika Anandpura, River Allen, Rocky Chau, Conrad de Jesus, Sarah Ferrell, Em Tillotson, and Sara Cantor, each faced six misdemeanour counts. District Attorney Brooke Jenkins highlighted the serious implications of their actions, stating that the blockade resulted in significant disruptions, including medical workers missing shifts.
During the protest, demonstrators employed vehicles to obstruct traffic and chained themselves together, demanding an end to US military aid to Israel amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The blockade lasted four hours, impacting approximately 5,000 vehicles that typically pass through the toll plaza during that time.
Deadlocked Felony Charge
The jury's inability to reach a decision on the felony conspiracy charge, which could have led to a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison, was viewed as a victory for the defendants. Public defender Nuha Abusamra argued that the protesters acted out of moral necessity after failing to achieve change through traditional avenues.
