'Arrest them!' Pro-Palestine protesters draw backlash as they block Golden Gate Bridge hours after O'Hare airport shutdown

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA: Pro-Palestine activists organized a series of disruptive protests across major cities worldwide on Monday, April 15, drawing widespread criticism across social media platforms.

In a demonstration of solidarity with Gaza, protesters representing the group A15 Action blockaded the iconic Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, bringing vehicular traffic to a halt for hours, as per CNN.

The protest was part of a coordinated effort that also saw activists shut down highway access to Chicago's O'Hare International Airport and block roads in Philadelphia, among other cities.

Golden Gate Bridge protest part of larger, coordinated effort by A15 Action

Footage from media helicopters captured the chaotic scene, with halted traffic in one direction and empty lanes in the other, as police officers ran around to restore order. The protesters held a banner that read "Stop The World For Gaza."

"We know that money is really what speaks to (elected leaders). We will stay until the police force us out," said Hayshawiya, an organizer who spoke to news outlets from the bridge.

The Golden Gate Bridge protest was part of a larger, coordinated effort by A15 Action, which called for "multi-city blockades... in solidarity with Palestine."

According to the group's website, the aim was to "identify and blockade major choke points in the economy, focusing on points of production and circulation with the aim of causing the most economic impact."

Similar pro-Palestine demonstrations were reported in cities across the United States, Canada, Italy, South Korea, Colombia, Belgium, Greece, Spain, and Australia, according to France24.

In Philadelphia, roads were blocked, while in Chicago, protesters shut down highway traffic leading to O'Hare International Airport, forcing passengers to walk to make it to their flights on time.

Internet slams demonstrators in wake of disruptive protests

As news of the disruptive protests by A15 Action spread, the Internet erupted with criticism and calls for action against the demonstrators. One user on X remarked, "Their right to protest ends where the individual right to free movement begins." Another commenter bluntly stated, "These people need a job."

A third user expressed doubt, writing, "They are not convincing anyone. Only pissing people off to hate them even more." Another individual called for immediate action, stating, "Bring in the national guard and remove them! This is getting ridiculous."

A fifth user demanded, "Arrest them immediately!" Meanwhile, a sixth commenter drew comparisons, noting, "You never see people who support Israel shutting down bridges, airports, highways…"

Another user insisted, "They should arrest every one of them and give them a hefty fine, at the very least."

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.