Alamo Park Shut Down; Protesters Converge At Site Of Planned Press Conference

SAN FRANCISCO, CA — Protesters have converged on Alamo Park in San Francisco where a right-wing group "Patriot Prayer" had planned on holding a news conference at 2 p.m. The group was meant to hold a rally in the city's Crissy Field but on Friday, they announced that the rally, which had the potential to escalate into violence, had been canceled.

The city closed down Alamo Park and there is an enhanced police presence, meaning the group will not be able to hold their press conference in the area. Mayor Ed Lee wrote on Twitter that no events have been requested or issued for the park. (For updates on this story and more San Francisco news, subscribe to the San Francisco Patch.)

"The San Francisco Police Department has an enhanced presence at Alamo Square and in the surrounding neighborhoods. We will continue to evaluate situations as they evolve and make decisions based on the safety of the public," SF police said in a statement. "The SFMTA has made changes to service. They continue to monitor the situation and will notify riders of any potential service impacts or needed adjustments."

A photographer at the scene told Patch an area of about two to three blocks surrounding the park has been shut down and no access is being allowed by foot or by car. Residents were being allowed past barricades with proof.

Patch will update this report.

All photos by Al Francis