San Francisco mayor candidate hits out at incumbent after 49ers Ricky Pearsall shooting

San Francisco mayoral candidate Mark Farrell has criticized current Mayor London Breed after 49ers wide receiver Ryan Pearsall was shot near downtown on Saturday.

Farrell, the former interim mayor who is running for office again this fall, referenced X to point out his zero-tolerance policy on crime in the Bay, saying he believes Pearsall would not have been in a near-death situation under his administration.

He wrote: “Our city has seen a number of tragic shootings: a Galileo High School student was shot at a Breed party in Chicago, a young girl at Crocker-Amazon suffered life-threatening injuries, and now 49ers draft pick Pearsall was shot during an attempted robbery in Union Square.

“Enough is enough. IF we want public safety in San Francisco, we need change at City Hall.”

A juvenile suspect was taken into custody after allegedly shooting Pearsall, who was released Sunday from San Francisco General Hospital and Trauma Center, a statement from the team said. He was in fair condition.

A juvenile suspect has been arrested after allegedly shooting 49ers WR Ryan Pearsall (pictured) on Saturday night.

Pearsall was walking alone with grocery bags to his car shortly after 3:30 p.m. Saturday afternoon when a suspect attempted to rob him at gunpoint on Geary Boulevard, police said.

“A struggle ensued between Mr. Pearsall and the suspect, during which both Mr. Pearsall and the suspect were struck by gunfire,” San Francisco Police Chief Bill Scott said at a news conference.

Officers on scene responded immediately, provided emergency medical care and arrested the suspect.

Police identified the suspect as a 17-year-old male resident of Tracy, California, about 60 miles (100 kilometers) east of San Francisco, who was also taken to San Francisco General. His condition was not immediately released.

Witnesses reported hearing multiple shots. A gun reportedly belonging to the suspect was recovered and investigators believe he acted alone, Scott said.

Pearsall and the 17-year-old faced off in Union Square, near the city centre

San Francisco Mayor London Breed has vowed to punish juvenile delinquent severely

A witness saw Pearsall on video footage, shirtless and with a large wound to his chest, being helped into an ambulance, the San Francisco Chronicle reported.

Breed said she had confidence in the prosecutor’s actions to prosecute the case.

“This is how we hold people accountable in San Francisco. Robberies and violence like this will not be tolerated in our city,” Breed said during the briefing, thanking hospital staff, police and first responders, including San Francisco Fire Department personnel.

“This was a terrible and rare incident in Union Square and our thoughts are with Ricky Pearsall and his family. He has a bright future and I look forward to seeing him recover and get back on the field,” Breed said.

Pearsall was selected 31st overall in the first round by the 49ers in April, but has struggled with injuries since joining the team.

The 49ers drafted Ricky Pearsall, 23, in the first round (31st overall) of the 2024 NFL draft

He missed a period of training camp with hamstring and shoulder problems, but returned to training last week in a blue jersey while his shoulder heals.

Pearsall began his college career at Arizona State and transferred to Florida for his final two seasons. He had 65 catches for 965 yards and four touchdowns last season for the Gators and finished his college career with 159 catches for 2,420 yards and 14 TDs.

The Niners hoped Pearsall could contribute as a rookie as a backup to starting players Brandon Aiyuk and Samuel.