Jun 10
Arrests made after unnerving Bay Area anti-Pride incidents
John Ferrannini READ TIME: 4 MIN.
Bay Area law enforcement agencies have made arrests in alleged homophobic violent or threatening incidents connected to this month’s Pride Month observances. One took place on the Peninsula, while the other occurred in the North Bay.
In Redwood City, in San Mateo County, two teens were arrested on suspicion of throwing fireworks into a crowd celebrating Pride on June 4. In Petaluma, in Sonoma County, a 54-year-old man was arrested for threatening a school official with death over rainbow flags at schools on June 5.
The incidents come as anti-LGBTQ sentiment rises, according to Gallup. “Despite the stable national backing for same-sex marriage and relations, the widening political divide suggests potential vulnerabilities in the durability of LGBTQ+ rights,” the polling firm noted in its May 29 survey.
The Redwood City incident happened in Courthouse Square during the city’s annual Pride event.
“At approximately 5:55 p.m., Redwood City Police Officers were dispatched to the square following reports that individuals had thrown suspected fireworks into the crowd while shouting discriminatory and homophobic remarks. The suspects fled the area prior to officers’ arrival,” Redwood City Police stated on Nixle. “Two adult victims were identified and one sustained minor injuries as a result of the incident. A portion of the attack was captured on video surveillance.”
The two suspects, both 13-year-old males, were located, arrested, and taken into custody before being released to the custody of the San Mateo County Youth Services Center. Their names have not been released because they are juveniles.
“This case remains under investigation. Anyone with additional information is encouraged to contact the Redwood City Police Department at (650) 780-7100,” police continued.
Redwood City Mayor Elmer Martínez Saballos stated that Pride Month should be a time to uplift the LGBTQ community.
“The act of hate and violence is unacceptable and deeply troubling. Redwood City does not tolerate hate in any form,” Martínez Saballos stated. “We are committed to being a safe, welcoming, and inclusive community for all. What happened last night is not reflective of our values. We will continue working with law enforcement, community leaders, and residents to ensure Courthouse Square and every space in our city is a place of safety, respect and belonging.”
Petaluma
The Petaluma incident happened over the course of several days, according to police. Josh Garzoli, 54, of Petaluma, was arrested on a charge of criminal threats.
It all started May 30, according to Petaluma Police, when “Garzoli left a concerning voicemail with Petaluma city schools officials demanding the removal of the pride flag from school grounds. Garzoli reportedly told a School District Official there would be ‘harsh consequences’ if the flag was not removed,” according to the Sonoma County law enforcement agency’s statement, also on Nixle.
Then, on June 2, “Garzoli arrived at the Petaluma Schools Administration Office. He was reported as being agitated and angry, demanding the removal of pride flags, but left without further incident,” the statement continued.
It escalated significantly June 5, when police responded to a report of a criminal threat made via email to an unnamed school official at 9:18 a.m., the statement continued.
“The school official reported receiving an alarming email from Josh Garzoli. The message demanded the removal of pride flags from school grounds by the end of the school day (Thursday),” the statement continued. “The message contained explicit threats, including a statement indicating he would have the District Administrator ‘executed’ if the flags were not removed. The threat was considered specific, time sensitive, and caused safety concerns for school officials.”
Garzoli was arrested, booked, and a bail enhancement was sought and granted in the amount of $750,000.
“The Petaluma Police Department takes all criminal threats seriously,” Petaluma Police concluded. “We are working closely with Petaluma City Schools to ensure additional security measures are in place and that district personnel feel supported and protected. The safety of our school staff, students, and broader community is our highest priority.”
Petaluma City Schools didn’t return a request for comment for this report.
Jackie Elward, who is running for state Assembly in the 12th District covering parts of Marin and Sonoma counties, stated that, “What happened in Petaluma is heartbreaking and unacceptable.
“As an educator, a mother, and a public servant, I stand with the Petaluma City Schools community and with our LGBTQ+ students, families, and staff,” Elward continued. “Flying the Pride flag is a powerful statement of inclusion and love. No one should be threatened for creating safe and welcoming schools. We must lead with courage, stand up to hate, and make sure every student knows they belong. Not just during Pride Month but always.”
The two incidents are not believed to be related. As the Bay Area Reporter previously reported, there has been a nationwide backlash to LGBTQ rights and people in recent years. Gallup found in its report that while 64% of Americans consider homosexuality morally acceptable, that number is down from a high point of 71% in 2022.
President Donald Trump has issued a number of anti-transgender executive orders that mirror on the federal level hostile laws that passed on the state level in recent years. Last week it was reported the Navy will be renaming a ship christened for the late gay San Francisco supervisor and veteran Harvey Milk.
