Internet calls Oakland mayor Sheng Thao 'Jabba the hut' as she becomes the target of recall election

OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA: Oakland Democratic Mayor Sheng Thao will now be the target of a recall referendum in November following the acquisition of almost twice as many signatures as required to compel the proviso, numerous reports have stated. 

Two weeks after Oakland United to Recall Sheng Thao (OUST) filed their petition, Alameda County officials announced on Wednesday, June 18, that the group had surpassed the required 25,000 voter signatures.

Sheng Thao has 'blood on her hands,' says retired judge 

Judge Brenda Harbin-Forte, a retired judge who led the recall effort, told local media that Thao had "blood on her hands" due to an increase in crime, auto theft, and street robberies. "Businesses were not leaving Oakland at this pace before she came into office," said Harbin-Forte, according to Fox News. 

OUST also objected to what proponents of the recall referred to as Thao's "dismantling" of the Oakland Police Department.

Brenda Harbin-Forte reportedly said the recall is a 'historic achievement'

Harbin-Forte was reported to have told the local FOX-affiliate KTVU that the recall is a "historic achievement" and provides voters with "a sense of urgency and purpose to recall this dishonest and incompetent mayor."

Noel Gallo, a council member who opposes the recall, told KGO that while he believes voters should have the freedom to express their concerns, the recall could lead to further rifts within the city government. Recall proponents ultimately collected 40,595 valid signatures on the recall petition.

What are the complaints of the signatories?

In videos that OUST released, signatories bemoaned about broken windows and homeless camps, and one resident described the condition of the city as the worst she had seen since moving there in 1985. In addition, organizers accused Thao of firing Police Chief LeRonne Armstrong and failing to fulfill a grant deadline to fight retail theft, for which the mayor later accepted responsibility.

They also took issue with Thao's statement that the MLB's Oakland Athletics "won't be missed" following their decision to move to Las Vegas, home of the NFL's former Oakland Raiders.

FBI agents conducted an early-morning raid on Sheng Thao's residence

Sheng Thao's residence was raided by FBI agents early on Thursday morning, June 20, during which numerous boxes of goods were taken. Agents served warrants at Thao's house on Maiden Lane in the city's Lincoln Highlands neighborhood at around 5.30 am, CBS News reports.

In an emailed statement, the FBI said, "The FBI is conducting court authorized law enforcement activity on Maiden Lane. We are unable to provide additional information at this time." 

Internet users vent out frustration on Democratic Mayor Sheng Thao 

Netizens lamented Thao for turning Oregon into a state of absolute anarchy. One X user wrote, "Oakland has had a Democrat mayor for 47 years in a row. How’s that been working out?"

Another added, "Another politician trying to cling to power. Guess that's what happens when you're more concerned with appearances than actual progress. Recalls are a messy business, but sometimes necessary. We'll see how this one plays out." "Wish we could recall Sloppy Joe right now!" echoed one user. "She looks like Jabba the hut on a weight watchers plan," said another.

"Oakland needs some serious help," commented one user. 

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.