#BlackLivesMatter Protesters Interrupt National Anthem, Pledge Of Allegiance During Oakland Mayor's Inauguration
OAKLAND (CBS SF) - Some of Libby Schaaf's most vocal critics gave her an earful even before she was sworn in at her inauguration ceremony Monday night.
Schaaf arrived in a fire-breathing snail car to become the city's 50th mayor she was shouted at by assembled crowed at the Paramount Theater. During her speech, Schaaf said she supports the anti-police brutality protests, with one exception.
"Part of what makes Oakland Oakland is that it is a birthplace of social movements. It is a place of protest and passionate politics. I embrace that. I support it… I don't support vandalism. I don't support smashing small business' windows," Schaaf said.
The protesters were not silenced. And once inside Oakland's Paramount Theater, a number of them lifted signs and dropped a banner and burst into song.
At times they even drowned out the National Anthem and the Pledge of Allegiance.
Though Schaaf condemned the violence, which has spun off from largely-peaceful #ICantBreathe and #BlackLivesMatter demonstrations, she mentioned it only in passing in her speech.
"I have been beyond frustrated when people disrespect our beautiful city with illegal dumping, with graffiti and most recently with smashed windows," said Schaaf.
She did not mention plans for stopping the small bands of vandals who have shattered windows, shut down freeways and frustrated Oaklanders. Instead, she talked more broadly about public safety and pride.
"I have lived here all my life and for the first time, I am feeling it, I am seeing it: a moment of promise, of growth of revitalization like we have never seen before," said Schaaf.
Schaaf has served on the City Council for the past four years, acknowledged that being the city's mayor isn't an easy job but vowed, "I'm ready for the challenge with a determination you've never seen before."
Aside from public safety, Schaaf listed her priorities as bringing in new businesses, enhancing early education, modernizing government services, cleaning up public spaces, paving city streets and supporting public art.
