Seven pro-Palestinian protesters have been convicted on misdemeanor charges for blocking traffic on San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge during a major anti-war demonstration in April 2024. However, a California jury failed to reach a unanimous verdict on the more serious felony conspiracy charge, prompting the judge to declare a mistrial on that count.
After seven days of deliberations, jurors found the seven defendants guilty of multiple misdemeanor offenses, including false imprisonment and obstructing a public thoroughfare. One protester was also convicted of refusing to disperse after police declared the protest unlawful. The group is scheduled to be sentenced on August 21 and could face up to five years in county jail, although diversion programs may be available.
The demonstration shut down traffic on the Golden Gate Bridge for nearly four hours, disrupting thousands of commuters as protesters called for an end to U.S. support for Israel during the Gaza war.
Jurors reportedly voted 10-2 in favor of conviction on the felony conspiracy charge but could not reach the unanimous decision required under California law. The jury also deadlocked on a misdemeanor trespassing charge.
San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins said prosecutors will review the case before deciding whether to retry the unresolved felony charge.
Legal analyst Michael Cardoza said the split verdict highlights the challenge of balancing free speech with public safety. He noted that prosecutors may feel encouraged by the 10-2 vote and could seek a new trial, while also suggesting the final sentencing could influence that decision.
The case has become one of the most closely watched legal battles linked to pro-Palestinian protests in the United States, renewing debate over the limits of peaceful protest and the legal consequences of disrupting critical public infrastructure.
