Sheng Thao, mayor of Oakland, California, delivered a prepared statement on Monday in her first public remarks since federal authorities raided her home last week.
Thao, who is serving her first term as the city’s mayor, maintains that she did not do anything wrong and she has no plans to resign from office.
Federal authorities on Thursday carried 80 boxes out of the home she shares with her son and partner as part of an investigation that included searches of two other houses owned by another family.
In a statement to the Guardian, an FBI spokesperson confirmed the bureau had conducted “court-authorized law enforcement activity” but declined to provide further information.
Thao called the timing of the raid suspicious as it came days after backers of a mayoral recall were informed by the city clerk that they had collected enough signatures to qualify for the ballot, likely in November.
Thao assumed office in January 2023 after a stint on the Oakland city council. She campaigned for mayor on a progressive platform that championed her experiences with homelessness and pledged to address Oakland’s struggles with housing and crime.
Thao has faced criticism since taking office from some residents who remain frustrated with crime levels in the East Bay city and will face a recall vote in November.
It appears Thao and her son were home Thursday morning as she said her first priority was to make sure they were safe.
Thao, 38, is of Hmong descent and says she grew up poor.
“And when my parents came to this country fleeing genocide, they never could have imagined that their daughter would one day be mayor of Oakland. I am my ancestors’ wildest dream,” she said. “And I am your mayor: Mayor Sheng Thao.”
Agents also searched two homes owned by members of the politically influential Duong family that owns the recycling company Cal Waste Solutions. The firm has been investigated over campaign contributions to Thao and other elected city officials, the local news outlet Oaklandside reported in 2020.
