The annual trans march in San Francisco’s Tenderloin area turned chaotic Friday night as tensions escalated between marchers and police during an arrest, based on video footage and eyewitness accounts.
According to witnesses, turmoil began when officers attempted to apprehend someone suspected of vandalizing a building. Footage reveals multiple police officers forcing the individual to the ground while irate protesters encircled them, shouting in protest of the detention.
One recorded voice can be heard urging, “Stay away from them!” as others joined in, expressing their anger at the situation.
In the footage, an individual attempts to intervene but is shoved by an officer, who subsequently slams him to the ground.
Witness Nora Long recounted, “The police dragged them and threw them to the ground. Then protesters intervened, which led to more police violence.”
But, that wasn’t the end of it. Witnesses reported additional arrests. At least 25 police vehicles were stationed nearby towards the march’s conclusion, as officers pursued numerous individuals who had been arrested for vandalism.
Another clip shows a marcher dressed as Jesus standing on a police vehicle. He is quickly pulled down by officers, who then began to restrain him, while more marchers gathered around, expressing their fury at the police actions.
At a certain point, a collective of marchers formed a barrier against the police, witnesses stated. Police pushed the crowd back as chants of “Who’s going to keep us safe? We’re going to keep us safe,” resonated through the throng.
According to San Francisco police, five adults were eventually taken into custody. Three of these individuals face charges related to assault and criminal property damage, while two others are charged with interfering with a police officer.
Authorities have withheld the suspect’s name and any additional charges due to the ongoing investigation.
During the incident, two police officers involved in crowd control were reported to have been assaulted, sustaining non-life-threatening injuries.
The Trans March is known as one of the largest gatherings of transgender individuals globally. Some participants expressed dissatisfaction with the heightened police presence.
Jenna England, a marcher, commented, “It didn’t suit the mood or the occasion of the march, and it could be distressing for those in attendance, especially during an event that honors protests against police brutality.”
In response, law enforcement officials stated their commitment to upholding the First Amendment right to peaceful protest, though they emphasized that criminal behavior would not be tolerated.
