- July 1, 2026
- Updated 12:09 am
Sen. Scott Wiener Leaves Pride Event After Protest
California state Senator Scott Wiener, representing San Francisco, reportedly left the Trans March at Dolores Park under duress on Friday, as demonstrators confronted him about his stance on Israel and Gaza. The incident unfolded during Pride Weekend, capturing widespread attention.
A video circulating online reveals several individuals surrounding Wiener, delivering profane and hostile remarks. Dimitry Yakoushkin, who shared the footage, is heard criticizing Wiener’s position on the Gaza conflict while the senator attempts to distance himself from the antagonistic crowd.
“We f—ing hate you!” shouted one protester.
While Wiener retreated, Yakoushkin accused him of betraying the LGBTQ community. Yakoushkin’s remarks suggested that Wiener’s political stance was at odds with the community that he purportedly supports.
“You’ve been terrible on Gaza!” Yakoushkin exclaimed. “Someone who wrote good legislation for queers is so f—ing terrible on Gaza!”
Another protester echoed claims, suggesting that Wiener’s support for Israel compromised his identity within the LGBTQ community.
“You stopped being queer the moment you started supporting Israel!” yelled another demonstrator.
Wiener shared his account, explaining that he had been attending the Trans March annually since its inception in 2004. His intention was to see a trans-led Pride Shabbat service when the altercation ensued.
California Senate leaders and LGBTQ lawmakers condemned the actions, stating Wiener faced harassment and deserved respect.
Senator Wiener commented that the confrontation marked his first absence from the Trans March in over two decades. Statements by demonstrators allegedly included remarks about his supposed ‘Israeli handlers,’ which Wiener labeled as extreme and vile.
Following the incident, Fox News Digital reached out to Sen. Wiener, but no immediate response was provided. This event was purportedly the first time in 22 years that Wiener did not participate in the Trans March.
California Representative Kevin Mullin offered remarks on the occurrence, differentiating the confrontation from Bay Area’s customary political protests.
“There is no place for hate speech, harassment, and violence,” Mullin stated. “No matter your beliefs, no one should be threatened or intimidated for simply showing up for their community.”
California Senate President Pro Tempore Monique Limón, alongside Senate Democrats and the Legislative LGBTQ Caucus, issued statements denouncing the confrontation.
San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie additionally described the language aimed at Wiener as antisemitic and stated his rejection of such targeted hate.
In a concurrent law enforcement matter, San Francisco police reported the arrest of five individuals related to vandalism and alleged assault near the event. Two officers reportedly sustained non-life-threatening injuries.