Riot in Oakland over BART execution

Oscar Grant, 22, was shot by Bay Area Rapit Transit (BART) police on New Year’s day in the early hours after celebrating New Year’s eve. Although factual details and video are barely coming on what caused the police presence and detainement of Grant and his friends, the ending result was a shot to Grant’s back that he later died from.

I was returning home from DJing a NYE’s party and leave just a mile or so from the Fruitvale BART station. Its not the nicest BART station and it can be an intimidating place. With that being said, I knew the police and BART was on high alert on NYE. But after you see the video above, you’ll know that the shooting was unwarranted and the other cops stand-still reaction is numbing. I have a few friends who live in Downtown Oakland and it was not the place to be. A riot maybe a little bit of an overstatement but I can let you know, being a resident in the East Bay, tensions are high.

5 Things You Can Do Right Now About The Oscar Grant Shooting

1. Digg the story so that the national media can pick up on it

2. Contact BART Director Carole Ward Allen and demand that 1) the officers involved be taken off duty without pay and charged and fully prosecuted; 2) there be an independent investigation of the shooting that includes a review of training and hiring practices; and 3) BART establish an independent residents’ review board for the police Call her at 510-464-6095 or email the BART Directors at BoardofDirectors@bart.gov

3. Call the BART police to complain about the officers’ conduct and demand immediate action: Internal Affairs: Sergeant David Chlebowski 510.464.7029,dchlebo@bart.gov; Chief of Police: Gary Gee 510.464.7022, ggee@bart.gov

Call them toll free at 877.679.7000 and press the last four digits of the phone number you wish to reach.

4. Talk it up on your blogs, networks and talk radio shows (call Michael Baisden 877-6BADBOY or Rev. Al, etc. to get this on the national radar)

5. Stay tuned for other actions, protests, etc., especially if you are in the Bay.

Props to Gotty, Miss Info, $port, G, and other internet heads are taking some social action on the web to give this homocide more attention.

UPDATE (THURS, 1/8/09, 1:00pm): Protests are resuming in Downtown Oakland after the BART Board of Directors meeting. Businesses and offices are sending people home for safety reasons. Rumored that Fruitvale BART will be closed today.