Protesters confront California senator and New York congressman over Israel positions

A group confronted California state senator Scott Wiener at a San Francisco park during the annual trans pride march last week. The demonstrators surrounded him and shouted over his positions on Israel's actions in Gaza, according to a video posted by a local activist.

Wiener said the encounter made it impossible for him to remain safely at the event. He stated he accepts disagreement and protest but drew a line at physical contact and harassment.

The post cited his support for Israel and was later deleted. The Justice Department's civil rights division said it is investigating whether the cafe discriminated against a patron based on race, religion or national origin. Goldman told CNN he viewed the episode as unfortunate but preferred resources focus on other cases.

Goldman lost his primary last month to Brad Lander in a Brooklyn and Manhattan district. He said afterward that his stance on Israel played a decisive role in the outcome.

Reactions from organizers and observers Organizers of the San Francisco march stated Wiener was never in danger and accused him of using the incident for fundraising. Jewish Voice for Peace's San Francisco chapter called the public focus on the confrontation misplaced.

Writer Peter Beinart said the protesters' approach was unlikely to shift Wiener's position further. He noted Wiener had already adjusted some of his earlier statements on Gaza.