Federal Judge Approves Class-Action for Mass Arrests in SF

UPDATE: A federal judge has just granted class-action status to a lawsuit involving 113 adults and children detained by San Francisco police during the controversial 2023 Dolores Park “hill bomb”. This ruling, issued last Thursday, allows the plaintiffs to sue the city collectively, intensifying the legal battle over the mass arrests that occurred during an informal skateboarding event.

The decision is crucial for the plaintiffs, who include 81 minors, as it enhances their chances of receiving substantial compensation should they prevail in court. The legal action originates from a chaotic incident on July 8, 2023, when the San Francisco Police Department (SFPD) arrested attendees, claiming they engaged in “dangerous and unlawful behavior.” However, many parents assert their children were merely bystanders caught up in the police dragnet without justification.

Attorney Rachel Lederman from the Partnership for Civil Justice Fund, representing the plaintiffs, condemned the arrests as an “outrageous round-up.” She stated,

“They kettled them between police lines and arrested them unlawfully, without a reasonable basis to believe that they had committed crimes.”

The implications of this ruling extend beyond the courtroom. As the case unfolds, it could have significant financial repercussions for the city, which has already spent $143,000 on police overtime during the event. If the plaintiffs win, any monetary judgment would come directly from the city’s general fund, raising concerns about fiscal responsibility amid ongoing community tensions.

Reports indicate that many minors were held in cold conditions for hours, with some resorting to using a bucket provided by a neighbor. This has sparked outrage among parents and community members, who argue that the police’s actions were excessive and unjustified. The criticism has led to changes in how the SFPD handles similar events, with the following 2024 Hill Bomb seeing a more controlled police presence to prevent further incidents.

As the lawsuit progresses, the plaintiffs are pushing for accountability for what they believe are clear violations of local, state, and federal laws. The growing number of claims and the potential for a larger settlement highlight the rising tensions between the community and law enforcement.

Stay tuned for further updates as this case develops, as its outcome could reshape the future of policing practices in San Francisco and beyond. The urgency of this situation underscores the need for communities to engage in discussions about public safety and civil rights in the wake of increasing scrutiny on police actions nationwide.