The City of Oakland’s Communications Department has released a statement that the Oakland Police have arrested a single suspect in the Art Murmur / First Friday Shooting. Here’s the statement:
The City has received several media inquiries today regarding the fatal shooting that occurred shortly before 11 p.m. Friday in the 2000 block of Telegraph
Avenue.Police arrested on Saturday night the suspected gunman in that shooting. Details
of the arrest, including the suspect’s identity, will be withheld until the district
attorney’s office files charges, which could happen Tuesday.City leaders are organizing meetings this week with the First Friday organizers and local stakeholders to discuss what changes are going to be needed to keep the event manageable and safe going forward. We will be providing updates over the coming days and weeks.
This statement from Mayor Jean Quan was issued on Saturday:
We are deeply saddened about the event that occurred after and near the large and peaceful First Friday event last night. We offer our prayers to the families of the victims. The incident took place nearly one hour after the 10 p.m. event closure as police and security personnel were facilitating the reopening Telegraph Avenue.
For several years First Friday has been a successful and safe event nationally recognized for its unique blend of our incredibly diverse and rich local art, food,
and music scene.. It was noted in Oakland’s recent designation as one of the top
12 cities for art in the nation.Recognizing the positive nature of this organic street festival – and the need to ensure that it is safe and sustainable – the City joined local merchants and organizations to coordinate street closures, private security and police oversight.
Unfortunately, no amount of planning and security can provide 100% protection against gun crimes and random, senseless acts of violence. However, the City is taking immediate action to assess the security and overall nature of the event and will meet with our community partners to determine the needed measures to make sure First Fridays will continue to be safe and successful moving forward.
Simultaneously, the Oakland Police Department is pursuing all investigatory leads and working diligently to apprehend the perpetrators.
Anyone who witnessed or has any information pertaining to this incident is urged to call Crime Stoppers of Oakland at 510-777-8672 or the TIP LINE at 777-2805.
Stay tuned.