California State Senator Scott Wiener faced a hostile confrontation at San Francisco’s Trans March at Dolores Park. Several demonstrators criticized his views on the Israel-Gaza conflict. The incident occurred as Pride Weekend commenced.
In a viral video, multiple individuals surrounded Wiener, shouting obscenities at him as he passed through the park. One of the hecklers, Dimitry Yakoushkin, posted the clip online. He vocally criticized Wiener’s stance on Gaza, declaring that Wiener did not have a place in the park.
“I think your policy on the genocide is terrible!” Yakoushkin said in the video. “You do not belong here!” As Wiener continued walking, the accusations did not relent. Yakoushkin accused him of betraying the LGBT community due to his support for Israel.
Another protester also questioned Wiener’s ties to the LGBT community. “You stopped being queer the moment you started supporting Israel!” they shouted. 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 unfolded.
California Senate leaders and LGBTQ lawmakers condemned the incident. They stated Wiener had been subjected to harassment and deserved dignity and respect. “As I walked through Dolores Park, a group started screaming, surrounded me, and harassed me verbally and physically,” Wiener explained. The confrontation made it unsafe for him to remain at the park.
Wiener stated this was the first time in 22 years he had not participated in the Trans March. The march started in 2004 and has grown into one of the world’s largest transgender gatherings.
Representative Kevin Mullin noted the event exceeded the Bay Area’s norm of heated protest and disagreement. “There is no place for hate speech, harassment, and violence in politics or elsewhere,” he said. “No one should be threatened for showing up for their community.”
California Senate President Pro Tempore Monique Limón, along with Senate Democrats and the California Legislative LGBTQ Caucus, issued a statement supporting Wiener. They acknowledged his 16 years of service in San Francisco and noted his dedication to LGBTQ rights.
San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie also condemned the confrontation, describing the language directed at Wiener as antisemitic. “As mayor, I cannot accept hate aimed at any community member,” Lurie said. “The language used against Senator Wiener was targeted and hateful.”
Wiener placed first in California’s top-two primary for the 11th Congressional District, a position formerly held by Nancy Pelosi. He and San Francisco Supervisor Connie Chan will face off in the November general election.
San Francisco police reported five arrests related to a separate confrontation involving vandalism, obstruction, and assault. Two officers sustained minor injuries.
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