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Board condemns attempted assassination of San Francisco resident Brandon Lee and urges evacuation and federal review
Summary
The Board unanimously adopted a resolution condemning the August assassination attempt on San Francisco resident Brandon Lee in the Philippines, called for his immediate evacuation for medical care, and urged federal review of U.S. military aid to the Philippine military.
The San Francisco Board of Supervisors on Sept. 10 adopted a unanimous resolution condemning the Aug. 6 assassination attempt against Brandon Lee, a U.S. citizen born and raised in San Francisco who has worked as an environmental and human-rights advocate in the Philippines.
The resolution called for an immediate medical evacuation of Lee to ensure safety and access to specialized care, for an investigation into the shooting by Philippine authorities, and for U.S. federal representatives to pursue a congressional hearing on the consequences of U.S. tax dollars flowing to Philippine military and police forces implicated in human‑rights abuses.
Sponsor remarks and extensive public comment described Lee's condition and the urgency of bringing him home. According to statements entered on the record during public comment, Lee was shot multiple times in the back, has bullets still lodged in his body and has suffered repeated cardiac arrests; a physician’s proxy on the dais cited an approximate cost of $200,000 for an air‑ambulance medical evacuation. The board received a supportive letter from the San Francisco Health Commission that was added to the public file.
Supervisor (sponsor) noted the broad community mobilization around Lee, including organized fundraising, a fact‑finding delegation to the Philippines that included Supervisor Matt Haney, and advocacy from multiple community organizations. Dozens of speakers representing family, allied organizations and student groups — including the Cordillera People's Alliance, Chinese Progressive Association, League of Filipino Students, Amnesty International and others — addressed the Board asking for city support to evacuate Lee and to push for federal action.
Supervisors across the board described the attack as part of a wider pattern of threats and alleged human‑rights violations in the Philippines, argued the federal government has leverage through military aid and urged that the United States investigate and condition assistance. The resolution specifically requested that congressional representatives initiate a hearing into the consequences of U.S. funding to Philippine security forces and to assist with Lee’s evacuation.
The resolution passed unanimously. Supervisors and community groups said they would continue to press federal officials and to raise funds for immediate medical transport and care.
