In a dramatic display of solidarity with Palestine, pro-Palestinian protesters brought traffic to a standstill on the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, resulting in numerous arrests and significant disruption to the morning commute. The demonstration, which unfolded on Monday morning, saw activists blockading both northbound and southbound lanes of the bridge, demanding an end to U.S. support for Israel amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
The protest, organized as part of the A15 Action’s global economic blockade in support of Palestine, began around 7:30 a.m. local time, with approximately 60 demonstrators strategically positioning themselves across the bridge. They employed various tactics, including chaining themselves together and occupying parked vehicles, effectively halting the flow of traffic in both directions.
Law enforcement agencies, including the California Highway Patrol (CHP), swiftly responded to the scene, but faced challenges in dispersing the protesters due to their coordinated efforts and determination. With protesters locking themselves to vehicles and using chains concealed in pipes, officers were forced to employ jackhammers to free them, resulting in a protracted clearance operation.
Despite the efforts of authorities, the blockade persisted for several hours, causing extensive gridlock on both sides of the span. Commuters were stranded for hours, with traffic backing up through the Robin Williams Tunnel and well past Sausalito on southbound 101.
As tensions mounted, CHP officers proceeded to make arrests, eventually detaining 26 protesters involved in the demonstration on the Golden Gate Bridge. The arrested individuals face a slew of charges, including unlawful assembly, remaining at an unlawful assembly, refusal to comply with a lawful order, and conspiracy to commit a crime.
The protest on the Golden Gate Bridge was just one of several demonstrations that unfolded across the Bay Area on Monday. Earlier in the morning, protesters had also shut down all lanes on Interstate 880 in Oakland, further exacerbating traffic congestion and amplifying the message of solidarity with Palestine.
The actions of the protesters underscored growing public outrage over the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the role of the United States in providing military and financial support to Israel. Activists have condemned what they perceive as complicity in Israel’s actions and have called for an end to the violence and oppression in Gaza.