Oakland Police Chief Fired for Alleged Downplaying of Officer's Misconduct

Oakland, California Police Chief LeRonne Armstrong was fired Wednesday by Mayor Sheng Thao for allegedly covering up an officer's misconduct.

The Details: An independent investigation concluded that Armstrong and the Oakland Police Department failed to properly investigate and discipline Sergeant Michael Chung after he was in involved in a hit-and-run with his police car in 2021.

Key Quotes: "As Oakland continues to improve its police department, we must be confident that our Chief will be effective in making sustainable improvements that can be recognized by the federal monitor, the federal court and the people of Oakland," Thao said. In a statement after the firing, Armstrong said, "After the relevant facts are fully evaluated by weighing evidence instead of pulling soundbites from strategically leaked, inaccurate reports, it will be clear I was a loyal and effective reformer of the Oakland Police Department." 

For Context: The department has been under federal oversight for twenty years because of a police corruption scandal involving "The Riders," an anti-gang unit. Armstrong was the 13th person to serve as Oakland Police Chief since January 2003, and he had been on administrative leave since last month in connection with the cover-up probe.

How the Media Covered it: Armstrong's firing was covered by sources across the political spectrum, with left-rated sources focusing on Armstrong's objections to Mayor Thao's decision.