Source: MediaNews Group/East Bay Times via Getty Images / Getty
Protesters angry about war Gauze close the Golden Gate Bridge inside San Francisco as part of a global day of action.
On Monday (April 15), the famous Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, California, became the scene of a large protest by those opposed to the Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza. Protesters reached the bridge from the south side at 7:30 am. local time, blocking travel lanes on the bridge chained together using pipes in what is referred to as the “sleeping dragon” method. Some protesters held a banner that read: “Stop the world for Gaza” in capital letters.
The morning commute was halted, with law enforcement clearing the protesters and reopening the bridge at 12:15 p.m. The California Highway Patrol told members of the press that 26 of the protesters in attendance were arrested on multiple charges including unlawful assembly, false imprisonment, refusing to comply with a lawful order, resisting arrest and conspiracy.
Some drivers were caught in traffic jams caused by the protest boiled frustrated, with a confrontation caught on camera. “We're just trying to get home or work, everyone is crazy,” said one driver, Aung Zin. “I think that's the only way people are going to listen, but at the same time, I wish there was a solution around it.” Another driver spoke of their frustration as protests prevented them from arriving for a medical procedure. “I'm going into town for a stem cell replacement. They are frozen, I have to get there before they thaw. I'm disappointed, I support people's right to protest, but if it's going to upset thousands of people, that's not the right way to do it,” said Rachel McKim.
The protest was part of A15, a day of action to launch a global economic blockade to show solidarity with the Palestinian people in Gaza who have suffered over 30,000 lives lost and to call for an end to aid to Israel from the United States. It was set for Monday to coincide with the last day for US citizens to file their taxes. Other protests took place on the Brooklyn Bridge in New York, as well as O'Hare International Airport in Chicago and Seattle-Tacoma International Airport.
