California police union demands embattled mayor resign 'immediately' in stunning move

“On behalf of the police officers of the City of Oakland, we urge you to resign immediately as Mayor of Oakland,” the letter stated.Photo byHowie MapsononUnsplash

In a dramatic escalation of tensions, the union representing Oakland police officers has called for the immediate resignation of Mayor Sheng Thao. The demand was made in an open letter sent on Tuesday, signed by the executive board of the Oakland Police Officers Association (OPOA).

The letter, addressed directly to Mayor Thao, was signed by OPOA President Huy T. Nguyen, Vice President Timothy Dolan, Treasurer Timothy DeLaVega, and Secretary Glen Hara.

“On behalf of the police officers of the City of Oakland, we urge you to resign immediately as Mayor of Oakland,” the letter stated.

According to the OPOA, its four-member executive board unanimously voted on Monday to seek the mayor’s resignation. The union criticized the mayor’s policies and those of "the council majority," claiming they have undermined the police force’s ability to effectively combat the city's rampant violent crime.

The letter highlighted a series of issues, including violent crimes, murders, shootings, carjackings, burglaries, robberies, and sideshows, which the union claims have been exacerbated by the current administration’s decisions.