đ San Francisco, CA â What began as a routine workday for a San Francisco Environment (SFE) worker turned into a harrowing encounter that he says heâll never forget.
The worker, who spends his days visiting neighborhoods to share information about sustainability programs, was making his way through a small community when a confrontation unfolded that he later described as âterrifying and completely unexpected.â
According to the workerâs recorded video, a white man driving a pickup truck approached him at high speed before abruptly stopping. The man began shouting accusations, claimingâwithout evidenceâthat the worker had been involved in burglaries in the area. The employee appears stunned in the footage, repeatedly identifying himself as a city worker and holding up official materials as proof.
But the driver continued, escalating the situation. The worker says the man followed him through the neighborhood, circling with his vehicle, blocking pathways, and at one point revving the engine so close that the worker had to move aside to avoid being struck. Throughout the video, the workerâs voice shakes as he asks, âWhy are you doing this? Iâm just trying to do my job.â
The incident captured not just a frightening confrontation, but a deeper emotional truth many Black workers have expressed: the fear of being targeted during ordinary, everyday tasks. The worker later explained that he feared for his life, unsure whether the driverâs aggression would turn into something worse.
UPDATE: Authorities have since identified the man in the video as 52-year-old local resident Mark Harlan Thompson, according to SFPD. Police confirmed they are actively investigating the incident, including whether racial bias played a role. As of now, no charges have been announced, and the investigation is ongoing.
SFE officials released a statement expressing support for their employee and reaffirming the need for safe working conditions for all field staff. Community advocates have also called for transparency and accountability as the investigation continues.
For the worker at the center of this ordeal, the experience has left a deep mark. In a follow-up message, he said he hopes the video will raise awareness about the everyday challenges faced by Black workers simply trying to do their jobs: âI just want people to understandâthis wasnât an argument. I wasnât bothering anyone. I was just doing city work. And suddenly Iâm fearing for my life.â
Here is the SFE worker video https://t.co/vFICFRs0My pic.twitter.com/4Q2JmvdVfx
â Dapsyđ” (@symplyDAPO) December 8, 2025
Wow unbelievable!!