Judge Releases San Francisco Man Charged for Fighting Mayor's Security

Tony Phillips was ordered released after a judge viewed surveillance footage showing the man was 'violently assaulted' by the officer.

Published on Mar. 11, 2026

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A San Francisco Superior Court judge has ordered the release of Tony Shervaughn Phillips, who was charged with assaulting and resisting officers after a street fight with Mayor Daniel Lurie's bodyguard. After reviewing surveillance footage, the judge determined that Phillips was 'violently assaulted' by the officer and should not be kept in jail, despite the district attorney's concerns about public safety.

Why it matters

This case highlights the complexities around policing, use of force, and the treatment of homeless individuals in San Francisco. The judge's decision to release Phillips despite the charges raises questions about accountability and the need for clearer policies governing interactions between law enforcement, city officials, and vulnerable residents.

The details

According to the report, Phillips was involved in an altercation with Mayor Lurie's security detail after the mayor told a group of people, including Phillips, to 'move along.' Surveillance footage showed an officer, Joel Aguayo, shoving Phillips to the ground twice, at which point Phillips fought back and injured Aguayo's head. Phillips was later charged by the district attorney, but the judge, Sylvia Husing, reviewed the footage and determined that Phillips was the one who was 'violently assaulted' and ordered his release.

  • On Thursday evening, the incident occurred at the intersection of Larkin and Cedar Streets in San Francisco's Tenderloin neighborhood.
  • On Monday, Phillips was criminally charged by District Attorney Brooke Jenkins.
  • On Wednesday, Phillips appeared in court and pleaded not guilty, leading to the judge's decision to release him.

The players

Tony Shervaughn Phillips

A San Francisco resident who was charged with assaulting and resisting officers after a street fight with Mayor Lurie's bodyguard. The judge determined he was the one who was 'violently assaulted' by the officer.

Judge Sylvia Husing

The San Francisco Superior Court judge who reviewed the surveillance footage and ordered Phillips' release, stating she did not want him 'to be subject to the same sort of stuff that he was in that video.'

Mayor Daniel Lurie

The mayor of San Francisco who was present during the incident and whose security detail was involved in the altercation with Phillips.

Officer Joel Aguayo

The San Francisco police officer assigned to Mayor Lurie's security detail who was involved in the physical altercation with Phillips.

District Attorney Brooke Jenkins

The San Francisco district attorney who criminally charged Phillips, referring to his 'assaultive conduct' and the 'public safety risk' he posed.

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What they’re saying

“He did violently shove him to the ground”

— Judge Sylvia Husing, San Francisco Superior Court Judge (missionlocal.org)

“I don't want to let him out and let him be subject to the same sort of stuff that he was in that video”

— Judge Sylvia Husing, San Francisco Superior Court Judge (missionlocal.org)

What’s next

The judge issued a stay-away order for Phillips, directing him not to return to the intersection of Cedar and Larkin Streets. Phillips' attorney said he would work to find shelter for his client, who is homeless and frequents that area.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing challenges around policing, use of force, and the treatment of homeless individuals in San Francisco. The judge's decision to release Phillips despite the charges raises questions about accountability and the need for clearer policies governing interactions between law enforcement, city officials, and vulnerable residents.