State Sen. Scott Wiener, considered a front-runner to succeed Nancy Pelosi in California's 11th congressional district, has spoken out about two recent encounters in San Francisco where he alleges he was subjected to harassment and physical intimidation by pro-Palestinian activists.
On Wednesday, an activist confronted Wiener at a bar in the city's Mission District, demanding he "Free Palestine." Video of the incident shows Wiener, who is Jewish, remaining silent as the man verbally berated him and was eventually ejected by bar staff. Wiener stated that after his ejection, the individual remained outside the bar, shouting his name and pounding on the building.
Wiener also recounted an incident on Friday at Dolores Park, prior to the annual Trans March, where he was surrounded by a group of activists. He described the activists as making "inaccurate, extreme, and vile statements," including references to "Israeli handlers," and engaging in both verbal and physical harassment. A video clip from the event shows one individual with a middle finger raised towards Wiener as he navigates the crowd.
"I took no issue with anyone disagreeing with me, opposing me, or protesting me," Wiener said in a statement. "But when opposition and disagreement transition to harassment, including cornering me, touching me, or trying to physically bully me out of a public event, that crosses a line."
Wiener, who is openly gay, stated that the encounters involved activists expressing displeasure with his stance on the conflict in Gaza. He had previously been criticized for not immediately characterizing Israel's actions in Gaza as genocide, but in January, he clarified his position, stating, "I do believe Israel has committed genocide in Gaza."
Wiener secured 41% of the vote in the June primary, advancing to the general election for California's 11th congressional district. He will face San Francisco supervisor Connie Chan in November.