Leo Terrell cries 'political corruption' as mayor Sheng Thao faces recall effort and FBI raid in same week
NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: Civil Rights attorney Leo Terrell joined co-host Charles Hurt to discuss the recall effort faced by Oakland, California Mayor Sheng Thao on the Saturday, June 22 episode of 'Fox & Friends'.
According to the Daily Mail, the 38-year-old progressive Democrat has been left politically isolated after a string of challenges and scandals in what appeared to be the worst week of her political life.
The troubles of Mayor Sheng Thao
Thao was informed on Tuesday, June 18, that she would be facing a recall election in November, less than two years into her term. The city clerk's office notified leaders behind the recall effort that they had gathered enough verified signatures to qualify for the ballot and essentially dismiss the mayor midway.
Since Thao took office in January 2023, rising crime levels and budgetary problems have been a major cause of trouble for her. The situation she found herself in was not helped when a shooting near Lake Merritt left at least 15 people injured while Juneteenth celebrations were underway on Wednesday.
The mayor was in for another blow the following day when her home was raided by FBI agents, who were seen carrying out boxes from the property.
By the end of the week, none of Thao's political allies came out in her defense, opposed her recall, or commented on the raid.
Leo Terrell's take on Sheng Thao's situation
"The Mayor is facing a two-front war in Oakland," Terrell told 'Fox & Friends' on Saturday. "Oakland is morally bankrupt. She is facing a recall, why? Because of crime, because of the homelessness, because companies like Starbucks and Denny's are leaving..."
"In addition, she is facing a federal probe (by) the FBI, the IRS, (and) the US Postal Service. The allegations- we don't know, but I am going to tell you right now, that is political corruption because a large waste company was also raided," he continued.
"So you have a Mayor in turmoil, and let me add one other caveat. The district attorney for Alameda County is under a recall. Why? Because of crime. Oakland is morally bankrupt. It needs to go into receivership," he added.
When asked about the voters of the region being "fed up" about the situation, Terrell mentioned, "The Democratic leadership ignores the Democratic constituents. They talk a good game, but they do nothing about crime in school. Why do you think Democrats are leaving the party and going to become Trump Republicans? They are sick and tired of the rhetoric and the talking points."
