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Flame Arrives in San Francisco

Protesters absent amid heavy security; torch in hiding before tomorrow's city tour

By Katherine Thompson,  Newser Staff

Posted Apr 8, 2008 3:26 PM CDT

(Newser) – The Olympic flame landed in San Francisco early this morning, accompanied by Chinese officials and protected by riot-ready security, the San Francisco Chronicle reports. The 3:40am landing was followed by a round of photographs before a quick retreat to an undisclosed location, where the torch will await tomorrow's relay around the city.

Officials are bracing for protests during the 6-mile run, and mayor Gavin Newsom has said the route could change after the relay has begun. One runner has bowed out, but many remain hopeful demonstrations and the torch run can coexist. "I like to think in San Francisco we know how to do a protest," a city spokesman said.

Jiang Xiaoyu, left, executive vice president of the Beijing organizing committee, and an unidentified handler, right, holds the Olympic flame, shortly after arriving at San Francisco Airport.
Jiang Xiaoyu, left, executive vice president of the Beijing organizing committee, and an unidentified handler, right, holds the Olympic flame, shortly after arriving at San Francisco Airport.   (Associated Press)
Jiang Xiaoyu, left, executive vice president of the Beijing organizing committee, holds the Olympic flame shortly after arriving at San Francisco Airport.
Jiang Xiaoyu, left, executive vice president of the Beijing organizing committee, holds the Olympic flame shortly after arriving at San Francisco Airport.   (Associated Press)
Tenzin Sangmo, from Salt Lake City, is shown at a rally with other Tibetans and supporters in protest of China's Olympic torch at U.N. Plaza in San Francisco, April 8, 2008.
Tenzin Sangmo, from Salt Lake City, is shown at a rally with other Tibetans and supporters in protest of China's Olympic torch at U.N. Plaza in San Francisco, April 8, 2008.   (Associated Press)
Three members of the Students for a Free Tibet hang banners from the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco in advance of the Olympic torch's arrival in the city.
Three members of the Students for a Free Tibet hang banners from the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco in advance of the Olympic torch's arrival in the city.   (Associated Press)
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