Suspect Arrested For Punching Free-Speech Activist In Face In SF

SAN FRANCISCO, CA — Police in San Francisco have arrested a man suspected of punching another man during a free-speech rally Saturday at the United Nations Plaza.

During the rally, in which dozens of people attended, the suspect punched the victim, who has been identified by his supporters as Philip Anderson, a free-speech activist with the conservative organization Team Save America.

A video widely shared on social media showed the rally, as well as a confrontation between free-speech activists and counter protesters, followed by the suspect punching Anderson. As a result of the attack, the victim lost two teeth, police said.

After investigating, officers were able to identify the suspect as 35- year-old Adora Anderson of Watsonville. Officers arrested Adora Anderson in Oakland on Sunday on suspicion of mayhem and committing a hate crime.

According to Team Save America, which organized the Saturday rally, the rally was a protest against Twitter and other tech companies, which the group has accused of censoring conservative views online.

Philip Anderson's supporters have started a GoFundMe page to help him pay for his medical bills.

"Philip Anderson has been on the front lines of fighting for free speech and protecting our country from people trying to burn it down," a post on the GoFundMe page said.

It said that Antifa attacked Philip Anderson in California on Oct. 17 during a free speech rally.

"I want to get him some help to deal with fixing his teeth after they were knocked out. Anything you can spare will help him," the post said.

The page has already raised more than $29,000 and can be found at this link.

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--Bay City News