Democratic Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao addressed the public on Monday for the first time since the FBI conducted a raid at her home last Thursday. Thao firmly denied any wrongdoing and suggested that the investigation may have been influenced by her socio-economic background rather than any criminal activity, according to the New York Post.
The FBI raid, which also involved the IRS and U.S. Postal Service, occurred early Thursday morning at Thao’s residence in the Lincoln Highlands neighborhood. The mayor, who is facing a potential recall due to rising crime rates and the departure of the Oakland A’s sports team, expressed her frustration during a press statement.
“I want to be crystal clear: I have done nothing wrong,” Thao stated. “I can tell you with confidence that this investigation is not about me.”
Thao implied that her socio-economic status and lack of an elite educational background might have played a role in her being targeted. “This wouldn’t have gone down the way it did if I was rich, if I had gone to elite private schools or if I had come from money,” she said. “I know that for sure because former elected officials are sitting safely in their houses in the hills right now with campaign finance violations piling up.”
During the statement, Thao vowed to stand firm and seek justice. “I’m not going down like that, we’re not going down like that. The people who voted for me deserve to have their voices heard and communities prioritized. I’m seeking the truth right now, just as much as you all are,” she asserted. “I will not be bullied, I will not be disparaged and I will not be threatened out of this office.”
The FBI arrived at Thao’s home around 5:30 a.m., reportedly removing boxes and bags from the premises. Despite the visible activity and the involvement of multiple federal agencies, the FBI has not disclosed specifics about the investigation, according to CBS News Bay Area.
