Motions in Limine - DAY 2
Tuesday, May 5th, 2026
SUMMARY
The prosecution and defense returned to 850 Bryant Street for Day 2 of Motions in Limine. Defense’s motion to quash evidence obtained from an over-broad Meta warrant from March 2026 was discussed and the judge offered rulings on motions from the previous day, including denial of the prosecution’s motion to exclude the word ‘genocide’ and denial of the prosecution’s motion to exclude evidence related to the defendants' motives. The judge also agreed to a narrow scope hearing to determine admissibility of evidence related to interactions of the police liaison Sara Cantor with California High Patrol officials.
HIGHLIGHTS
Judge Caffese heard oral arguments on two pre-trial motions:
Defense’s motion to quash any evidence obtained from the warrant that requested a broad range of data on all 7 defendants from Meta, including private messages, follower identities, linked credit cards, and bluetooth information.
Prosecution’s motion to admit evidence of a defendant “liking” a post on Instagram that recommended protestors not interact with law-enforcement would be argued to show “criminal intent”.
Judge Caffese ruled on motions from the previous day, notably:
Denied prosecution’s motion to exclude the word “genocide”
Denied prosecution’s motion to exclude evidence of defendants’ motive
Affirmed that defense is entitled to a new evidentiary Miranda hearing for statements the prosecution seeks to admit
Denied defense’s motion to exclude evidence of prior protests
Judge Caffese ruled that previous protests (specifically one at Lockheed Martin and the February 14th, 2024 Golden Gate Bridge action) could be presented in front of the jury if sufficient foundation was laid by the prosecution.