San Francisco, CA — A conference volunteer is facing felony assault charges following an alleged attack on a protester at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in 2023 that caused severe injuries, including brain damage and a broken jaw. The accused, Michael Davies, 42, is now seeking to have his case transferred to mental health court, a decision that has reignited discussions about accountability and the implications of diversion programs within the justice system.
Davies reportedly struck Sarah White while she was protesting outside the event, which hosted prominent figures including business leaders and heads of state. The assault left White with serious injuries, prompting her to speak out against both Davies and the organizing entities involved in the summit.
In her first public comments about the incident, White expressed her frustration with the idea that Davies might evade prosecution through mental health diversion. “It feels inappropriate for the system to be leveraged in a way that benefits someone it was not designed to protect,” she stated.
Davies, who has not responded to multiple interview requests, has his attorney’s support in pursuing this alternative to traditional prosecution. Mental health diversion programs in San Francisco, which aim to provide treatment rather than punishment for certain offenders, have seen varied success rates under the current district attorney’s office.
On Monday, White filed a lawsuit against Davies and several organizations associated with the APEC summit, claiming they bear responsibility for his actions. The lawsuit seeks unspecified monetary damages, highlighting that Davies was allowed to volunteer despite having a recorded history of criminal behavior.
The complaint alleges that Davies had not undergone required security checks or adequate training prior to his role at the summit. This raises questions about event safety protocols and the vetting processes for volunteers—issues that find new urgency in light of White’s traumatic experience.
Documented incidents from Davies’ past include charges for disorderly conduct and vandalism, raising concerns about his suitability as a volunteer in a high-security environment. White’s legal team argues that APEC and its affiliates failed to mitigate risks by not adequately screening or training individuals tasked with managing large crowds of activists, many of whom were there to advocate for climate and social justice issues.
Footage from the event captured the moment Davies allegedly assaulted White, showing a scuffle with protesters before he struck her. The impact resulted in a broken jaw, fractures to her skull, and a lengthy recovery process that involved extensive medical treatment.
Describing her injuries, White detailed the physical and emotional toll the assault has taken on her life. “He completely rearranged my bones,” she said, noting the long-term implications for her health and future prospects.
In her pursuit of justice, White emphasizes the broader societal implications of Davies’ potential diversion from prosecution. The mental health diversion program in San Francisco has been a subject of scrutiny, especially as its application varies significantly between cases.
Having dedicated her career to education—teaching students across the globe—White now finds herself grappling with the limitations imposed by her injuries. Once fully engaged in adventurous and responsible work, she is now testing her ability to handle everyday responsibilities, such as pet care.
As she navigates this challenging chapter, White hopes to reclaim her sense of self beyond the traumatic events of that day, wishing for a future where her dreams can flourish without the overshadowing weight of her experience.