At a press conference on Sunday afternoon, suspended Oakland Police Chief LeRonne Armstrong met with local leaders to demand his reinstatement.
Armstrong was placed on leave by newly elected Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao after a report was released highlighting the alleged mishandling of two misconduct incidents at the department.
One incident involved an officer reportedly firing a gun inside the police station.
On Thursday, the NAACP Oakland branch asked supporters to contact Thao’s office for their concerns to be heard.
I should be reinstated immediately. I did nothing wrong and I am the right Chief to finish what I started for Oakland.
According to Armstrong, there are specific findings in the report he can’t comment on due to confidentiality. However, the suspended Oakland Police Chief openly shared his opinion on the findings calling the report from the Federal Monitor “embarrassingly inaccurate and contradictory.”
Armstrong laid out the following criticisms of the report:
- “The report blatantly misstates and mischaracterizes key statements during my recorded interview, which everyone will be able to confirm when the underlying materials are released.
- The report relies heavily on vague, subjective impressions without any factual or evidentiary support, which is completely improper for this kind of report.
- The logic and narrative of the report regarding my role in the investigation defies common sense and contradicts itself repeatedly.”
Armstrong closed by arguing that his efforts to end federal oversight over the department have been rigorous. “I deserve to have my position and my reputation immediately restored,” he said.
