Golden Gate Bridge protesters found guilty on lesser charges; judge declares mistrial on felony

SAN FRANCISCO -- Seven pro-Palestinian protesters who shut down traffic on the Golden Gate Bridge in 2024 to denounce U.S. aid to Israel in the Israel-Hamas war were all found guilty of false imprisonment by a jury in San Francisco on Thursday.

One by one, the court clerk first read out guilty verdicts for each of the counts for each defendant. Supporters of the protesters were stunned after each verdict was read out as "guilty," with some people crying quietly.

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All seven protesters were found guilty of false imprisonment, obstruction of a thoroughfare, and unlawful assembly. As the verdicts were read out, some defendants remained stoic while others cried.

Those convicted include six who chained themselves to cars on the bridge: Conrad de Jesus, Rocky Chau, Sarah Ferrell, River Allen, Em Tillotson, and Bhavika Anandpura. Sara Cantor, who described herself as a police liaison, was also convicted.

Cantor was found guilty of the same charges in addition to a charge of refusal to disperse.

The jury remained "hopelessly deadlocked" on two counts for trespassing and conspiracy. For the trespassing counts, the jury ended on 11-1 for not guilty. The jury was deadlocked 10-2 for guilty on the conspiracy charge.

San Francisco Superior Court Judge Teresa Caffese declared a mistrial for the two counts. Caffese thanked the jurors, who began deliberations three weeks ago.

"You have now completed your jury service in this case," she said. "On behalf of all the judges of the court, please accept my thanks for your time and effort ... You've been incredible."

As the courtroom emptied, supporters of the protesters chanted "Free Palestine!" and "Shame!" The crowd continued chanting outside the courtroom, yelling "From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free," through tears, sadness, and anger.