Oakland Mayor Raided by FBI, Claims Targeting by “Radical Right-Wing Forces”

Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao’s home was raided by FBI agents early Thursday morning amid escalating political turmoil. The raid, part of a broader investigation involving multiple locations in Oakland, has thrown Mayor Thao's already embattled leadership into further disarray as she faces an upcoming recall election​.

The FBI conducted the operation at Thao’s residence on Maiden Lane around 6 a.m., removing multiple boxes of evidence. The agency confirmed that the search was part of "court-authorized law enforcement activity" but declined to provide further details on the nature of the investigation​.Thao, who has not yet commented publicly on the raid, was absent from a scheduled press conference on affordable housing in San Francisco later that morning. This absence further fueled speculation and concern among Oakland residents and political observers​ .

Days after the FBI raided her house, Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao takes full responsibility for all finance and corruption allegations.

Just kidding, she blamed a radical right wing conspiracy… pic.twitter.com/uFlDQIRpW7

— Kevin Dalton (@TheKevinDalton) June 24, 2024

The FBI’s interest in Mayor Thao appears linked to allegations of pay-to-play corruption involving her boyfriend, Andre Jones. According to former chief-of-staff Renia Webb, who was interviewed by federal agents, Jones was allegedly lobbying for jobs and favors for Thao’s donors and allies​​.

Moreover, the raid also focused on properties connected to the Duong family, prominent local business figures with ties to California Waste Solutions, the city's curbside recycling provider. The Duong family has been under scrutiny for purportedly funneling campaign contributions to several Oakland city council members, including Thao, during crucial contract negotiations with the city​​.

Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao allegedly caught up in a pay to play scheme, divvying up the commissions and appointments. Her chief of staff resigned over it and complained to the city council and ethics board and nothing happened.

Now the FBI raided Thao’s home. 🤯 pic.twitter.com/VP3jXQREDc

— Garry Tan (@garrytan) June 23, 2024

This FBI investigation comes at a particularly challenging time for Thao, who has been under fire for her handling of crime, homelessness, and the recent departure of the Oakland A's baseball team. These issues have spurred a recall effort, with enough signatures already gathered to put the matter to a vote in November​.

Political analysts suggest that regardless of the investigation’s outcome, the damage to Thao’s reputation could be irreversible. “Even if there isn’t anything serious against her, she still faces weeks, months of horrible publicity — all of which helps recall advocates and hurts her ability to lead the city of Oakland,” noted Eric Jaye, a political consultant​​.

Thao’s supporters argue that she is being unfairly targeted by right-wing forces seeking to destabilize progressive leadership in the city. Thao herself has hinted at this, suggesting that the FBI's actions are politically motivated attacks designed to undermine her administration​.

As the investigation continues, Oakland residents and political stakeholders remain divided, with many calling for transparency and accountability while others stand by Thao, decrying what they see as a politically charged witch hunt.