California State Senator Scott Wiener, representing San Francisco, reported being compelled to depart the city's annual Trans March at Dolores Park on Friday after facing a confrontation from demonstrators regarding the ongoing situation in Israel and Gaza. The incident, which unfolded as Pride Weekend commenced, quickly circulated online through video footage.
Confrontation and Accusations Emerge
Video recordings depicted several individuals surrounding Senator Wiener as he moved through the park, with multiple hecklers uttering expletive-filled remarks. One voice was heard shouting, "We f---ing hate you!"
Dimitry Yakoushkin, who shared the video clip on a social media platform, could be heard criticizing Senator Wiener's position on the conflict as the Democratic lawmaker attempted to distance himself from the group.
"I think your policy on the genocide is terrible!" Yakoushkin stated in the recording. "I think you do not belong here!"
As Senator Wiener walked away, Yakoushkin continued to accuse him of betraying the LGBT community due to his stance on Israel and Gaza.
"You’ve been terrible on Gaza! You do not belong here anymore Scott and it breaks my f---ing heart!" Yakoushkin exclaimed. "It breaks my heart that someone who wrote good legislation for queers is so f---ing terrible on Gaza!"
Another individual within the crowd asserted that Senator Wiener had forfeited his place in the LGBT community because of his support for Israel.
"You stopped being queer the moment you started supporting Israel!"
Senator Wiener's Account and Departure
Senator Wiener stated that he had attended the Trans March every year since its inception in 2004. He explained that he was traversing Dolores Park en route to a trans-led Pride Shabbat service when the aggressive encounter occurred.
"As I walked through Dolores Park to participate in a trans-led Pride Shabbat service in connection with the trans march, a group of people began screaming at me, ran up to me, surrounded me, and began harassing me, both verbally and physically, including physical contact," Senator Wiener recounted.
He further noted that the group referenced Israel during their confrontation.
"They made statements about my ‘Israeli handlers,’ among many other inaccurate, extreme, and vile statements," Wiener added. "They were so physically and verbally aggressive that it was impossible for me to safely remain in the park."
According to Senator Wiener, this incident marked the first time in 22 years that he was unable to participate in the Trans March, an event that began in 2004 and has grown into one of the world's most significant gatherings for transgender individuals.
Public Officials Condemn Incident
The confrontation drew strong condemnation from other public officials. California Representative Kevin Mullin, also a Democrat, remarked that the incident surpassed the customary boundaries of political protest found in the Bay Area.
"Here in the Bay Area we have a long and proud history of heated protest and passionate disagreement; last night was not that," Mullin stated. "There is simply no place for hate speech, harassment, and violence - in our politics or elsewhere. No matter your beliefs, no one should be threatened or intimidated for simply showing up for their community. Elected officials and candidates for office do not lose their right to basic human decency."
California Senate President Pro Tempore Monique Limón, alongside Senate Democrats and the California Legislative LGBTQ Caucus, issued a joint statement denouncing the confrontation. The statement highlighted Senator Wiener’s 16 years of public service in San Francisco and recognized him as "a fearless champion" for LGBTQ Californians.
San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie also condemned the incident, characterizing the language directed at Senator Wiener as antisemitic.
"As mayor, I can never accept hate directed at a member of our community," Lurie declared. "This language directed at Senator Wiener yesterday was targeted, hateful and antisemitic."
Electoral Context and Separate Arrests
The event occurred as Senator Wiener campaigns for a new role. He secured the top position in California’s top-two primary for the 11th Congressional District, which is currently held by former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. Senator Wiener and San Francisco Supervisor Connie Chan are set to compete in the November general election, establishing an all-Democratic contest for one of the party’s most high-profile House districts.
Separately, San Francisco police reported five arrests in connection with another confrontation involving alleged vandalism, obstruction, and assault. Authorities indicated that two officers sustained non-life-threatening injuries during this distinct incident.
