The CHP arrested scores of pro-Palestinian demonstrators for bridge and highway blockades

VALLEJO, Calif. – The California Highway Patrol (CHP) was actively engaged in the de-escalation of multiple ongoing protests in the Bay Area on Monday morning, including on the Golden Gate Bridge. Working alongside our law enforcement partners in the Bay Area, officers worked to clear the lanes.

Officers responded to each location and determined protesters had utilized various devices intended to impede law enforcement’s ability to remove protesters, including 55-gallon drums filled with concrete. Resources from CHP offices across the Bay Area, as well as allied agency personnel from the Oakland Police Department, San Francisco Police Department, Alameda County Sheriff’s Office, and Golden Gate Bridge patrol responded to each incident and evaluated what was needed to remove the devices and to take those involved into custody.

• On I-880 @ Embarcadero, officers had to contend with 55-gallon drums filled with cement and heavy-duty chains attaching protesters to the drums. They are actively working to remove these individuals and lanes will be reopened. These individuals will be arrested.
• On I-880 @ 7th Street, approximately 300 protestors refused to comply with orders to disperse. Arrests are taking place.
• On the Golden Gate Bridge, protesters utilized stationary vehicles to chain themselves to as they refused to clear lanes. Approximately 20 people have been arrested and are in custody. The Golden Gate Bridge reopened at approximately 12:15 PM.

This is an intricate operation, and we are making every effort to get the lanes open as quickly as possible.

Attempting to block or shut down a freeway or state highway to protest is unlawful, dangerous, and prevents motorists from safely reaching their destinations. As necessary, the CHP will take enforcement action that includes, but is not limited to, issuing citations, impounding vehicles, arresting individuals who intentionally block traffic on the state’s transportation system or pose a threat to public safety.

The CHP remains dedicated to providing the highest level of Safety, Service and Security to the people of California.

Art Pedroza Editor

Our Editor, Art Pedroza, worked at the O.C. Register and the OC Weekly and studied journalism at CSUF and UCI. He has lived in Santa Ana for over 30 years and has served on several city and county commissions. When he is not writing or editing Pedroza specializes in risk control and occupational safety. He also teaches part time at Cerritos College and CSUF. Pedroza has an MBA from Keller University.

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