Wave of Shootings in Oakland

Posted on Aug 6, 2007

A wave of shootings following the assassination of an Oakland, Calif., journalist has left seven dead since Friday. Seventy-nine people have been killed in Oakland so far this year. That’s five fewer than at the same time last year, but still far too high.

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Los Angeles Times:

Clergy members, politicians and colleagues who gathered Saturday near the spot where Oakland Post Editor Chauncey Bailey, 57, was gunned down two days earlier said they were tired of bloodshed. They encouraged witnesses to come forward and tell police what they know to help stem the tide of crime.

“There’s this whole notion of not wanting to be labeled a snitch and fear of retribution,” Oakland City Councilwoman Desley Brooks said. “We need to turn this on its head.”

A 19-year-old handyman for an Oakland Black Muslim splinter group was booked Saturday in Bailey’s murder. Bailey’s colleagues said the journalist was investigating the finances of the organization, which is known for its chain of Your Black Muslim bakeries.

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