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NewsNBC Bay Area — San FranciscoJuly 2, 2026San Francisco

Seven Protesters Found Guilty for Golden Gate Bridge Shutdown

A San Francisco jury found seven protesters guilty of false imprisonment, obstruction of a thoroughfare, and unlawful assembly for blocking traffic on the Golden Gate Bridge in 2024. The judge declared a mistrial on two additional charges of trespassing and conspiracy after the jury remained deadlocked.

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Read the full story at NBC Bay Area — San Francisco

Why It Matters

The verdict establishes legal consequences for protest actions that obstruct public infrastructure, specifically regarding charges of and obstruction of a thoroughfare.

Key Facts

  • Seven defendants were found guilty of false imprisonment, obstruction of a thoroughfare, and unlawful assembly.
  • Defendant Sara Cantor was additionally found guilty of refusal to disperse.
  • The jury was deadlocked on charges of trespassing (11-1 for not guilty) and conspiracy (10-2 for guilty).
  • Judge Teresa Caffese declared a mistrial on the trespassing and conspiracy counts.
  • The jury deliberations lasted for three weeks.
  • The protest involved chaining individuals to cars on the Golden Gate Bridge to protest U.S. aid to Israel.

Who's Mentioned

personRiver Allen“Defendant convicted of false imprisonment, obstruction, and unlawful assembly.”locationGolden Gate Bridge“Site of the 2024 protest.”personBhavika Anandpura“Defendant convicted of false imprisonment, obstruction, and unlawful assembly.”personSarah Ferrell“Defendant convicted of false imprisonment, obstruction, and unlawful assembly.”personSara Cantor“Defendant convicted of false imprisonment, obstruction, unlawful assembly, and r”personTeresa Caffese“San Francisco Superior Court Judge presiding over the case.”personRocky Chau“Defendant convicted of false imprisonment, obstruction, and unlawful assembly.”personEm Tillotson“Defendant convicted of false imprisonment, obstruction, and unlawful assembly.”personConrad de Jesus“Defendant convicted of false imprisonment, obstruction, and unlawful assembly.”locationSan Francisco“Jurisdiction where the trial took place.”