Homeless Man Arrested Again After Alleged Assault on Mayor’s Bodyguard

A homeless man has been arrested once more for allegedly assaulting a police officer who was providing security for San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie. This comes just days after a judge had ordered his release while suggesting that the officer might have been the true aggressor in the situation.

Police reported that 44-year-old Tony Phillips was taken into custody again on Monday morning for breaching a court-ordered curfew. A homeless service officer recognized him and detained him without any issues.

This second arrest occurred less than a week after San Francisco Superior Court Judge Sylvia Husing had ordered Phillips’ release following a notable incident earlier this month.

The altercation on March 5 began when Lurie and his security detail encountered a group obstructing a street in the Tenderloin area. According to court documents referenced by prosecutors, Phillips became confrontational and approached the mayor. They allege he got close to the officer and shouted, “Bruce Lee, I’m going to kick you,” prompting the officer to push him back.

Phillips reportedly then charged at the officer, lifted him off the ground, and slammed him down, resulting in a concussion and head lacerations for the officer.

In response to the incident, Phillips is facing charges for causing serious bodily injury, along with felony counts for resisting an executive and assaulting a peace officer. Prosecutors believe he should remain in custody due to public safety concerns.

A second suspect, 33-year-old Abraham Simon, is also charged with resisting or obstructing a police officer, as reported by the prosecution.

Despite these serious accusations, Judge Husing expressed in court that Phillips had been “violently assaulted” and granted his release. However, upon the prosecution’s request, a restraining order was issued to prevent him from returning to the area.

Phillips’ attorney, Ivan Rodriguez, strongly challenged the prosecution’s claims, arguing that video evidence shows the officer initiated physical contact. Rodriguez noted that the judge acknowledged Phillips was attacked, calling the ruling a step towards justice and asking the prosecution to rethink their approach.

He also suggested that the incident might have been politically charged, claiming the mayor escalated the situation by engaging with individuals on the street.

Lurie defended his actions, stating he approached the group out of concern for their safety as well as the safety of those nearby.

Challenges to keeping Phillips in custody continue, with prosecutors highlighting his history of failing to attend court appearances unless brought in by law enforcement.

Phillips’ new arrest highlights ongoing issues with street conditions in San Francisco, which Lurie has been addressing along with the challenges of homelessness and public safety.

Recently, Lurie announced that the city secured nearly $100 million in state funding dedicated to enhancing mental health and addiction treatment services. This includes building additional locked psychiatric beds and creating new treatment capacities aimed at aiding those in need.

Phillips also has other pending charges regarding trespassing, loitering, and drug paraphernalia. He is expected to appear in court later this week for a misdemeanor charge, with another hearing scheduled for April regarding this altercation.

On a side note, Phillips was previously arrested in 2019 concerning a stabbing incident, though prosecutors did not take the case further due to lack of evidence.

The San Francisco Police Officers Association did not comment directly on this ongoing case but expressed that the safety of their officers and community remains their top priority.