Police Union Calls for Democratic Mayor’s Resignation Amid Federal Probe and Recall Vote

The Oakland Police Officer’s Association demanded the immediate resignation of Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao (D) on Tuesday, citing an ongoing federal investigation and an upcoming recall vote, as reported by Fox News Digital.

During a news conference, the union’s president, Huy Nguyen, accused Thao’s office of depleting law enforcement resources and neglecting to address the city’s persistent crime crisis.

“Today we are asking Mayor Sheng Thao to recall as mayor immediately for a lot of the failures in this city, going from crime, the budget crisis, the distraction of the FBI raid that prevents our ability to function as a city,” Nguyen stated, according to KTVU. “Every day, our citizens feel the tragedies. That they cannot exit their own home or walk to the streets of Oakland, calling 911 and not getting the services they need.”

Nguyen explained that due to a shortage of staff and limited resources, the department has been unable to respond to all emergency calls without risking longer response times.

In response to the demands of the police union, Thao attempted to defend her track record by releasing a video statement on social media.

“It’s really unfortunate that the OPOA is obviously playing politics,” Thao stated. “Right now, during this very sensitive time, we need to come together. We see that what we are working on, in regards to the comprehensive approach for public safety, is working.”

Thao examined data from the Oakland Police Department and argued that the crime rate for various offenses has decreased, including homicide, aggravated assault, rape, robbery, burglary, and motor vehicle theft.

“Public safety is my number one priority,” Thao continued. “Under my administration, we’ve had the most officers on the street than we’ve ever had in the last three and a half years.”

The police union countered Thao’s allegations, emphasizing that insufficient efforts have been made to equip law enforcement with the necessary resources.

According to Tim Dolan, vice president of the Oakland POA, “Now is the time to increase investment in the city, recruit more police officers, retain existing officers, and address the crime problem. Moving forward, these are the actions we hope to see from the next mayor.”

Thao is set to undergo a recall election in November following the collection of a surplus of verified signatures by residents. Nonetheless, the police union asserts that waiting until then is not advisable for the mayor.

“If she resigns by this week, the election will take place in November, versus waiting through the recall. Then it will happen in April and the process drags out longer when we need to work into the new budget immediately,” Nguyen explained.

Thao is currently involved in an FBI investigation, although no charges have been brought against her. Last month, federal agents raided her home.

The mayor has stated that the probe is unrelated to her, but the investigation has since widened.

The FBI has asked for phone directory records from the Oakland Police Department and documents revealing all federal funding sources dating back to 2021.

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