7 pro-Palestinian protesters sentenced to jail, ordered to pay fine for Golden Gate Bridge shutdown
SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- Seven pro-Palestinian protesters who once faced the possibility of more than five years behind bars for shutting down the Golden Gate Bridge in 2024 were sentenced Friday to 30 days in county jail and six months of probation.
The seven defendants are Bhavika Anandpura, Juliette River Allen, Sara Cantor, Rocky Chau, Conrad de Jesus, Sarah Ferrell and Em Tillotson.
Under the sentence, half of the jail time may be served through a sheriff's alternative program, and the defendants will receive credit for four days already served. They were also ordered to pay a $1,000 fine, restitution and court fees.
Defense attorneys had asked the judge to impose no additional jail time, arguing the defendants are community activists with jobs, families and other responsibilities. The judge denied that request.
The sentencing came more than two years after the April 15, 2024, demonstration, when 26 protesters blocked traffic on the Golden Gate Bridge for roughly four hours during the morning commute. The group was protesting U.S. support for Israel's war in Gaza.
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Prosecutors have argued the protest went beyond protected speech and created serious public safety concerns for people trapped on the bridge.
According to the District Attorney's office, those impacts included a person with a brain tumor who missed a preoperative appointment, a baby who missed a pre-surgery appointment, a surgeon who had to cancel a day of operations and a disabled child who was stuck on a school bus for hours.
Protesters and their supporters have maintained the shutdown was an act of civil disobedience and have criticized the prosecution as excessive.
"We understood when we took action that we would inconvenience people," said Jordan Harger, one of the original Golden Gate 26 protesters.
Asked Friday whether Harger regretted taking part in the bridge shutdown, Harger said, "I have no regrets. I think that being on that bridge was one of the best things I've ever done."
RELATED: 26 pro-Palestinian protesters charged for blocking Golden Gate Bridge back in April, SF DA says
Before the sentencing hearing, protesters and people supporting the defendants rallied outside the courthouse.
River Allen, one of the seven sentenced Friday, told the crowd the defendants were prepared for the outcome.
"No matter what happens inside of these courtrooms today, like, we will be fine. The seven of us will be fine," Allen said.
Seven members of the Golden Gate 26 ultimately went to trial. A San Francisco jury last month convicted them on a combined 43 misdemeanor counts.
Each defendant was convicted of four counts of false imprisonment, one count of obstruction of a thoroughfare and one count of unlawful assembly. Cantor was also convicted of one misdemeanor count of refusing to disperse at a riot.
The jury deadlocked on a felony conspiracy charge and a misdemeanor trespassing charge.
On Friday, the San Francisco District Attorney's Office announced it would not retry either deadlocked charge and dismissed both.
Raye Kahn, another original Golden Gate 26 protester, said the case could have broader implications for future demonstrations.
"That sets an extremely dangerous precedent for protests moving forward, not just here in the Bay, but around the country as well," Kahn said.
Attorneys for the defendants have indicated they plan to appeal the convictions. The next appeal hearing is scheduled for Oct. 2 at 9 a.m.
District Attorney Brooke Jenkins did not speak with reporters after Friday's hearing. She issued the following statement:
"My office is deeply committed to protecting the safety of everyone who lives, works and visits San Francisco, while also protecting our fundamental First Amendment right to peacefully protest without compromising public safety. The sentence imposed by the court today requires a mix of actual time in jail, community service, payment of restitution, fines and a six-month probation term. The court's sentence, following the jury's verdict, finally holds these defendants accountable for their actions. I continue to encourage civil discourse and the exercise of our rights under the First Amendment, but this serves as a reminder that when such acts become unlawful and compromise public safety, there will have to be consequences."
