San Francisco Mayor's Bodyguard Involved in Street Fight

Police watchdog launches investigation into altercation near Tenderloin

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

San Francisco's independent police watchdog agency has launched an investigation into a violent altercation between one of Mayor Daniel Lurie's bodyguards and a man on a street corner near the Tenderloin. The existence of the investigation does not mean the San Francisco police officer assigned to Lurie's security detail broke protocols during the fight, but it will be independently reviewed.

Why it matters

This incident raises concerns about Mayor Lurie's practice of walking the streets and stopping his police escort to engage with people in distress, which has now led to a physical altercation. The investigation could result in disciplinary action against the officer involved, depending on the outcome.

The details

The videos showed that the altercation began when the officer stepped in front of the man and pushed him to the ground as the man walked toward the officer, who was standing in front of Lurie. The man then grappled with the officer and brought him to the ground as Lurie walked away to get help. The man, identified as Tony Phillips, was ultimately arrested.

  • The incident occurred late Thursday afternoon in an alley called Cedar Street, near Larkin Street.
  • The San Francisco Department of Police Accountability received a complaint over the weekend about the encounter.

The players

Daniel Lurie

The mayor of San Francisco who was present during the altercation.

Tony Phillips

A 44-year-old man who was involved in the physical altercation with the mayor's bodyguard.

San Francisco Department of Police Accountability

The independent police watchdog agency that has launched an investigation into the incident.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“You can't solve what you can't see.”

— Daniel Lurie, Mayor of San Francisco (Instagram)

“The officer in last week's altercation had also worked under Breed, the former staffer said. The source described the officer as warm and 'always smiling.'”

— Anonymous former staffer for ex-Mayor London Breed (San Francisco Chronicle)

What’s next

Prosecutors are expected to announce late Monday afternoon whether they plan to charge Tony Phillips.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the challenges and risks associated with Mayor Lurie's practice of engaging directly with people in distress on the streets of San Francisco, and the need for a careful review of security protocols to ensure the safety of both the public and the mayor's security detail.