Oakland's gun violence is driven by fewer than 2,000 people — less than 0.5% of the city — and new analysis of Oakland Ceasefire data shows targeted intervention, not gun control, is what actually cut shootings in half. Meanwhile, the city is grappling with cascading failures: a homeless encampment fire that knocked out BART's Transbay Tube for 12 hours, a Coliseum sale on the verge of collapse with no buyer in sight, and a property crime solve rate of just 0.5% — one-fourteenth the peer city average.
Less than 2,000 Oakland residents drive most of its gun violence. Oakland Ceasefire shows just how important it is to target the right people.
BART knew about the encampment, had legal authority to clear it, and asked Oakland nicely. Then it burned.
In 2013, three pro sports teams and big dreams. In 2026, an empty stadium nobody will buy.
The highest property crime rate in America, the fewest cops per crime, and a 0.5% solve rate. These aren't excuses—they're failures.