The San Fernando Police Department (SFPD) is nearing the end of its investigation of an Oct. 25 protest, when conservative demonstrators blockaded the San Fernando County Library, preventing Pickle the Drag Queen from entering the public building. The popular personality was scheduled to read at a drag storytime event organized by Los Angeles County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath.
Detective Sergeant CJ Chiasson, of SFPD said they are conducting two investigations, which will most likely be presented to the District Attorney’s office within the next two months.
“Statute of limitations will run up for a case like this on Oct. 25 of this year, which does give us ample time, but I think it’s important for not only the victim, but other members of the LGBTQ+ community and everyone else, to have some closure on this,” said Chiasson.
Two incident reports were filed with SFPD – one by Pickle and another pertaining to the theft of a personal item. Chiasson confirmed SFPD is investigating “people stopping the free movement of another person in public space,” and “grand theft person or robbery.”
SFPD is reviewing body cam video footage and live stream video of the incident shared by witnesses, to identify acts of criminal conduct.
“I think it [the protestors’ actions] violates California law, and I think that it’s our responsibility to investigate that crime, identify the people involved and present the best case that we can to the District Attorney’s office,” said Chiasson.
Chiasson said they have identified four individuals who they believe violated the law.
Although SFPD was present at the protest, they have been criticized for their inability to control the demonstrators, who held gates closed, blockaded entrances and shouted insults like “pedophiles” and “perverts” to anyone they believed was outside of their group.
Without a designated protest perimeter, the mob of conservative demonstrators overtook the Library Plaza and impeded some from entering their businesses. Library staff became so concerned about safety, that they locked their doors with Supervisor Horvath inside.
“There were constitutional rights that they [the police] had an obligation to protect and they didn’t do that,” Peter Eliasberg, chief counsel for First Amendment Rights at the ACLU of Southern California, previously told the San Fernando Valley Sun/el Sol.
When pressed if there were any internal discussions or changes within SFPD after reflecting on the incident, Police Chief Fabian Valdez said, “We are collaborating more with our sheriff partners,” to figure out how County Sheriffs can assist SFPD if another incident were to occur.
“I’m open to really strengthening a relationship with all segments of the community, including the LGBTQ+ [community]. Everyone in San Fernando needs to feel safe,” said Valdez. Adding that he is reaching out to PFLAG – a nonprofit that advocates for LGBTQ+ people – so that the department can better understand the needs of the community in San Fernando.
“I’m happy there is an investigation happening,” said Pickle. “I’m hoping for some bombshell DA announcement. That would be fierce.”
Pickle decided not to pursue legal action against city officials or institutions, believing it is best to work with the system to hold individual protestors accountable for their actions. She sees it as a “win-win,” where she gets to see justice served and the institutions can show strength in correcting a wrong.
“We’ve been through the trauma, so I hope for some drama,” Pickle joked.
“They need to see that there will be consequences,” said Pickle about the protestors, adding that she hopes for a verdict from the DA that will deter people from participating in future unruly and hate-based demonstrations.
Well yes sfpd failed to protect drag queen just like they fail at protecting my city. Sfpd is very inept not trained very well and are more like keystone cops I really think they should let last take over the duties in San Fernando