During a news conference meant for a "major announcement," the Oakland Police Officer's Association demanded Mayor Sheng Thao's resignation on Tuesday, citing severe understaffing and a lack of resources within the police force.
"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," said union president Huy Nguyen. "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."
Later that day, Thao released a video statement saying that crime was down, KTVU reports.
"It's unfortunate that the POA is obviously playing politics. Right now, during this very sensitive time, we need to come together. We see that what we are working on in terms of the comprehensive approach for public safety is working," she said.
She added that her budget prioritized public safety, funded new police academies, and saved 80 police jobs.
