61 Arrested as S.F. Protest Turns Violent

SAN FRANCISCO — A peaceful protest against U.S. involvement in the Middle East and what participants called corporate greed erupted into violence this morning, and more than 60 demonstrators were arrested, police said.

At least 200 protesters had gathered outside the Pacific Stock Exchange by 6 a.m., said Sgt. Bob Crosat. They were met by between 100 and 200 police officers, he said.

The noisy protesters chanted and carried signs, but when the crowd headed for Market Street, the mood changed, he said.

Demonstrators broke tables and windows and scattered food at a fast-food restaurant before trying unsuccessfully to enter several businesses, Crosat said. A couple of American flags were also burned during the protest, which lasted about 2 1/2 hours.

“Actually, it was very peaceful here,” Crosat said. “The only trouble was when they went on to Market Street.”

A total of 61 demonstrators were arrested for investigation of misdemeanor charges that included failure to disperse at an unlawful assembly, vandalism and trespassing, Officer Dave Ambrose said. All but seven were cited and released, he said, adding that those demonstrators had no address, no identification or refused to sign the citation.

The protest was sponsored by the Earth Action Network, which publicized the event as a legal, nonviolent “pro-environment and anti-corporate demonstration and blockade” of the Pacific Stock Exchange.

A press release encouraged participants to dress in costume and bring banners, street puppets and other props to “show your opposition to corporate plunder of the earth and its people.”

Protester David Freeman, who came to the demonstration from Santa Cruz, said he participated to draw attention to concerns about the environment.

“People have been trying to work within the system for years and years without getting any results,” said Freeman. “There has to be a better way.”