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Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao Denies Wrongdoing After FBI Raid, Attorney Resigns Amid Recall Effort

Jun 24, 2024, 06:26 PM

Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao is facing intense scrutiny following an FBI raid on her home last Thursday. The raid is part of a federal investigation into possible public corruption. Thao's former chief of staff has called for her resignation, and numerous rallies have been held at Oakland City Hall demanding accountability. In her first public statement since the raid, Thao denied any wrongdoing and attributed the investigation to 'radical right-wing forces.' She stated, 'I have done nothing wrong,' and vowed to cooperate fully with the investigation. Thao's attorney, Tony Brass, resigned shortly after her press conference, reportedly surprised by her decision to speak publicly without his knowledge. The FBI seized Thao's cellphone, laptop, and desktop computer during the raid. Thao has also faced criticism for her absence from public view following the raid and a recent mass shooting during a Juneteenth celebration in Oakland that left 15 people injured. Over 40,000 residents have signed a petition calling for her recall.