Nancy Pelosi’s leading candidate in the California House of Representatives race has spoken out about confrontations he faced from pro-Palestinian activists.
State Senator Scott Wiener reported feeling “harassed and intimidated” on two separate occasions this week in San Francisco, both of which were recorded.
On one occasion, Wiener was trailed by a group in Dolores Park ahead of a major trans march.
Earlier in the week, he was approached at a bar in the Mission District, where activists demanded he say “Liberate Palestine,” while he sat quietly, visibly uncomfortable, as insults were thrown his way.
“He yelled profanities at me and our staff before being removed by bar staff,” Wiener said in a statement.
Even after being kicked out, the aggressor continued yelling his name and banging on the side of the bar, which was particularly unsettling. Wiener recalled that the same individual had previously followed him on a flight, making demeaning remarks about his “tainted heritage.”
On Friday, the senator experienced a similar situation in Dolores Park, where the mob’s initial commentary applauded his stance on trans rights before quickly shifting to harsh critiques of his actions relative to Gaza.
“You did a terrible thing in Gaza,” one shouted. “Scott, you don’t belong here anymore.”
Pursued by the crowd, Wiener described the physical intimidation he faced, where activists reportedly made extreme remarks about his background and expressed aggressive sentiments toward him.
Wiener emphasized that while he respects differing opinions and protests, harassment—particularly when it involves being cornered or physically confronted—exceeds acceptable limits.
He noted that threats of violence have become all too common in public spaces, stating, “We’re better than this in San Francisco.”
The senator, who had previously been hesitant to label Israeli actions in Gaza as “genocide,” shifted his position after a debate in January, saying he believes that Israel’s actions indeed amount to genocide due to their efforts to destroy Gaza and displace Palestinians.
Wiener secured a spot in the general election for California’s 11th Congressional District, gaining 41% of the primary votes, surpassing the 29% received by Pelosi-endorsed Connie Chung.
He is set to compete against the San Francisco coach in November.
