California state Sen. Scott Wiener, a Democrat from San Francisco, was forced to exit the Trans March at Dolores Park on Friday. The incident, linked to his stance on Israel and Gaza, attracted significant online attention as Pride Weekend commenced.
Footage shared online displayed Wiener being surrounded by a crowd. Amidst this, several individuals vocalized their disapproval with expletive-filled remarks. In the video, Dimitry Yakoushkin criticized Wiener’s policy on Gaza.
“We f—ing hate you!” shouted several individuals. Yakoushkin, who shared the clip on social media, could be heard condemning Wiener’s position on the conflict in Gaza as the senator moved away.
I think your policy on the genocide is terrible! I think you do not belong here!
Yakoushkin accused Wiener of betraying the LGBT community due to his views on Israel and Gaza. “You’ve been terrible on Gaza! You do not belong here anymore Scott and it breaks my f—ing heart!” he exclaimed. Another person in the crowd attacked Wiener’s position, claiming it disqualified him from being part of the LGBT community. Protesters at Dolores Park voiced their discontent during Pride Weekend, with one expressing that Wiener no longer belonged due to his stance on Gaza.
Wiener, who has attended the Trans March since its inception in 2004, was en route to a trans-led Pride Shabbat service when the confrontation took place.
“As I walked through Dolores Park to attend the trans-led Pride Shabbat service associated with the trans march, a group began yelling, ran up, surrounded, and harassed me both verbally and physically,” stated Wiener. He explained that references to Israel were part of the confrontation.
Wiener’s comments indicated the demonstration was the first instance in 22 years preventing him from participating in the Trans March, a prominent transgender gathering since 2004.
Rep. Kevin Mullin from California remarked that the encounter exceeded what is typically seen in Bay Area political protests.
Here in the Bay Area we have a long and proud history of heated protest and passionate disagreement; last night was not that. 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.
The California Senate President Pro Tempore, Monique Limón, together with Senate Democrats and the California Legislative LGBTQ Caucus, condemned the incident.
San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie criticized the confrontation and labeled the language used against Wiener as antisemitic.
As mayor, I can never accept hate directed at a member of our community. This language directed at Senator Wiener yesterday was targeted, hateful, and antisemitic.
Wiener secured first place in California’s top-two primary, vying for the San Francisco-based 11th Congressional District seat, previously held by former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. He competes against San Francisco Supervisor Connie Chan in the November general election. Meanwhile, San Francisco police confirmed five arrests during a separate clash involving vandalism, obstruction, and assault. Two officers incurred non-life-threatening injuries.