Unrest forces officials to reroute torch relay

SAN FRANCISCO — The only North American appearance of the Olympic torch disintegrated into a high-stakes game of cat and mouse Wednesday when officials unexpectedly diverted the flame away from spectators and protesters and moved the closing ceremony to the airport.

The continuing chaos after tumultuous demonstrations in Paris and London earlier this week raised concerns about keeping the traditional relay.

"I think under this circumstance, it will be questioned in the future," said U.S. Olympic Committee Chairman Peter Ueberroth. "I think it will depend on the country, depend on the history."

The torch is on a 130-day, around-the-world journey that began in Greece and ends in Beijing. Its next stop is Buenos Aires on Friday.

Protesters of China's human rights record have disrupted the relay. In London and Paris, demonstrators swarmed the runners and the flame was put out.

Police came out in force in San Francisco, where thousands of people massed along the planned six-mile route hugging the waterfront.

After the torch was lit, officials drove it about a mile from the planned route, far from reporters and protesters, startling passersby.

Torch bearers, flanked by police on motorcycles and bicycles and on foot, jogged and walked along the truncated path, stopping short of the Golden Gate Bridge.

San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom said city officials altered the route because of security concerns.

"The route as published was not going to accommodate people's First Amendment rights and our public safety concerns," he said. "We ... made a judgment to move the torch to a safe location." He added, "I certainly respect that people were disappointed in the decision."

Protestors used text messages to pass along information about potential routes.

"We'd get word it was in one place, and we'd rush there," said Salt Lake resident Sam Chagzoetsang.

"The area would be barricaded off," he said, "but no torch."

Chagzoetsang was one of 30 Utahns who made the trip to San Francisco to protest what he calls the "flame of shame."

Tempers flared among the spectators.

"That upsets me," said disappointed spectator Dave Dummer. "My back hurts from standing around on this lumpy sidewalk. ... This was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and other people messed it up by protesting.'