Pro Palestine protest shuts down Bay Bridge

Pro-Palestine protesters shut down Bay Bridge during APEC Summit

In Oakland, California, Pro-Palestine demonstrators disrupted the Bay Bridge during the APEC Summit, snarling morning traffic. Organized by the Arab Resource and Organizing Center (AROC), the protesters aimed to draw attention to the ongoing conflict in Gaza, urging global leaders, especially President Joe Biden, to intervene and bring about a ceasefire. AROC emphasized the urgent need for action, highlighting the toll of 11,000 Palestinian lives lost in the conflict between Israel and Hamas.

In a tweet, AROC accused President Biden of neglecting the crisis in Gaza while hosting social events in San Francisco. The group declared the Bay Area's decision to close the Bay Bridge as a demand for an immediate ceasefire and a plea to stop allocating funds that could contribute to what they labeled as genocide.

This demonstration followed AROC's earlier protest at the Port of Oakland. The California Highway Patrol reported that hundreds of protesters obstructed the westbound lanes of the Bay Bridge starting at 7:45 a.m., positioning themselves on Interstate 80 west of Treasure Island. Visuals captured by a KTVU cameraman depicted protesters lying on the bridge in makeshift body bags, adorned with simulated blood, as a symbolic representation of the conflict's casualties. The demonstrators vocally condemned Israelis, denouncing them as colonizers and advocating for justice.

Law enforcement responded to the situation with California Highway Patrol officers donning riot gear, surrounding the protesters, and urging them to disperse through megaphones. Officer Art Montiel of the CHP disclosed the deployment of a "detanglement team" tasked with unchaining the demonstrators. Anticipating potential arrests, Montiel acknowledged the unusual nature of the situation, expressing concern over the disruption caused by the protest.

Bart Ney, a spokesperson for Caltrans, acknowledged the significant impact on traffic throughout the day. He recommended that commuters consult maps and hotlines before traveling to navigate the disruptions caused by the protest. The demonstration, while drawing attention to the pressing issues in Gaza, also prompted logistical challenges for the public, emphasizing the far-reaching consequences of such protests.

In summary, Pro-Palestine activists orchestrated a disruptive protest on the Bay Bridge, demanding a ceasefire in Gaza and criticizing President Biden for perceived inaction. The Arab Resource and Organizing Center staged this demonstration as part of their ongoing efforts, previously protesting at the Port of Oakland. The protest prompted a notable law enforcement response, including riot gear deployment and the formation of a "detanglement team." The disruption raised concerns about public inconvenience, with Caltrans advising commuters to plan their routes accordingly.

Leave your feedback below in the COMMENTS section and if you liked my video, make sure to click LIKE and SHARE this content with others!