Oakland Fruitvale Looting, Car Fire Follow Anti-ICE Protest

On Tuesday night in Oakland's Fruitvale district, a peaceful anti-ICE protest was followed by significant unrest, including the looting of a Shiekh shoe store and a vehicle set ablaze near 34th Avenue and International Boulevard. Oakland police responded to a car crash where officers were pelted with objects, damaging a police vehicle, and a crashed car was set on fire before firefighters extinguished it. Around 30 individuals participated in the burglary of the Shiekh store, leading to at least one arrest for possession of stolen merchandise and burglary tools. Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee condemned the violence and property destruction, emphasizing the city's commitment to peaceful protest and safety for businesses and residents. Community members expressed concern that the destructive acts might unfairly tarnish the peaceful protesters, with local business owners supporting the right to protest but disavowing the violence. Videos captured the chaotic scene, showing looters breaking into the store with a sledgehammer and carrying off merchandise, while some looters wore masks and hooded sweatshirts, though it remains unclear who was responsible for the violence.