Westbound lanes of Bay Bridge remain closed as protesters call for Gaza ceasefire; about 50 arrests made
SAN FRANCISCO — All westbound lanes of the Bay Bridge heading into San Francisco from Oakland were closed Thursday morning as protesters called for a ceasefire in Gaza.
The San Francisco Department of Emergency Management called the event a “civic demonstration.” The protesters were stationed on the lanes before Treasure Island. According to the California Highway Patrol, about 50 protesters were arrested and 15 vehicles were towed as officers worked to reopen the bridge for traffic.
All lanes of westbound I-80 east of Treasure Island on the Bay Bridge are blocked by protesters. CHP on scene. No ETO. pic.twitter.com/BOQXCAuVhK
— CHP Oakland (@CHPoakland) November 16, 2023
As of 10 a.m., the CHP said officers were working on reopening at least one lane in the next 15-20 minutes.
We are in close contact with the California Highway Patrol and @CaltransD4 who are working to remove the protestors that are blocking traffic. City agencies are providing any necessary support. We will provide updates when we know more. https://t.co/N9YO6KEVeM
— London Breed (@LondonBreed) November 16, 2023
The demonstration Thursday morning comes amid a tension-filled week as numerous world leaders, including President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping, filed into San Francisco for the Asian-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit. Protests have erupted throughout the week in support of a ceasefire in Gaza, as well as LGBT rights, women’s empowerment, Indigenous people’s rights and the environment.
This is a developing report. Check back for updates.
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