61 Arrested at San Fransisco Protest of Middle East Policy

SAN FRANCISCO — Protesters against U.S. involvement in the Middle East burned flags and vandalized a fast-food restaurant here Monday, and police arrested 61 demonstrators.

At least 200 protesters had gathered outside the Pacific Stock Exchange by 6 a.m., said police Sgt. Bob Crosat. They were met by between 100 and 200 officers, he said.

The protesters chanted and carried signs, but the mood changed when the crowd headed for Market Street, he said. Trouble began after demonstrators arrived at a McDonald’s restaurant, Crosat said.

“They broke tables and windows and scattered food around,” said Police Sgt. Bob Crosat. A couple of American flags were burned during the 2 1/2-hour protest.

Sixty-one demonstrators were arrested for investigation of misdemeanor charges that included failure to disperse at an unlawful assembly, vandalism and trespassing, police said.