Explosives, Molotov Cocktails Confiscated In San Francisco: Cops

SAN FRANCISCO, CA — San Francisco police Chief Bill Scott said Monday that officers confiscated explosives, Molotov cocktails, bricks and other potential weapons during this weekend's protests in response to the death of Minneapolis resident George Floyd and other unarmed black people by police.

During a news conference Monday morning with other San Francisco law enforcement officials, Scott estimated between a total of 5,000 and 6,000 people showed up Sunday to protest. Shortly after 8 p.m., protesters at Civic Center were told go home and comply with the city-imposed curfew, which lasted through 5 a.m. Monday.

Scott described a hostile scene, in which objects were thrown at officers and a total of 87 people were arrested for violating the curfew order.

Additionally, 33 others were cited for violating the curfew.

Scott said among the arrestees, officers recovered a loaded-firearm and a backpack full of fireworks and explosives, among other possible weapons.

According to Scott, the California Office of Emergency Services sent about 200 extra officers Sunday from other California cities and counties to San Francisco to help with the protests and enforce the 8 p.m. curfew.

While Scott acknowledged that most of the weekend's protests were peaceful, he said Saturday in particular officers felt overwhelmed by the protests and looting, which damaged several stores in the city's downtown and Union Square area.

He said officers on Saturday confiscated Molotov cocktails, crowbars, bolt cutters and other items that could be used as weapons or burglary tools. He also said officers allegedly witnessed a van handing out bricks to throw at officers.

"A lot of people lost a lot; businesses were destroyed; businesses were looted; property was lost. Those are real economic challenges and now people, many of them who've spent their lives building their livelihood, have to restart and take yet another hit on top what they had to take on due to COVID-19," he said.

According to Scott, 33 people were arrested on Saturday in connection with looting. Nineteen of those cases have been handed over to the San Francisco District Attorney's Office for possible charges.

"We embrace peaceful protests; we embrace in the city of San Francisco people expressing themselves. We will not embrace violence against anyone; against other protesters; against police officers; against property. We will not accept that," he said.

Scott also acknowledged the city's Police Department has work to do itself on police reforms outlined by the U.S. Department of Justice back in 2016 amid a spate of controversial police shootings, including Mario Woods in 2015 and Jessica Williams in 2016.

"I understand what got us here," he said. "For the people who want to express themselves, you are welcome in San Francisco. But we need you to do it peacefully." Sheriff Paul Miyamoto thanked the protest's organizers and the majority of protestors for adhering to the curfew Sunday.

He said while the city's jail population remains low due to the coronavirus pandemic and stay-at-home order, it rose slightly over the weekend. As of Monday, 64 of the 87 people arrested Sunday have been released, while 23 remain in custody.

San Francisco Fire Chief Jeanine Nicholson said that on Sunday, the department received 140 emergency medical calls and 50 fire-related calls, with firefighters extinguishing a total of 20 fires. "Saturday was much higher than that," she said.

Nicholson also reminded protesters to continue wearing their masks and practice social distancing to limit the spread of COVID-19. With more protests scheduled throughout Monday in San Francisco, the 8 p.m. curfew remains in effect. Scott said the Police Department remains fully staffed and officers will be posted throughout the city Monday night. He also encouraged protesters or members of the public wishing to file a complaint against any a law enforcement staff to do so with the city's Department of Police Accountability at (415) 241-7711 or at https://sfgov.org/dpa.

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