Muslim Bakery Raided
This morning, Oakland police conducted pre-dawn raids on the well-known (and quite popular) Your Black Muslim Bakery. The police said that the raids--which also targeted three other locations--were "part of a yearlong investigation into several violent crimes, 'including murder, robbery and kidnapping.'" According to KTVU, police seized "a small armory of weapons" (including shotguns and ammo for assault weapons; heavens) and detained at least 19 people, including the group's leader, Yusuf Bey IV.
Most disturbing is the connection to yesterday's reprehensible assassination of an Oakland journalist:
[Oakland Deputy Police Chief Howard] Jordan would not say whether the raids were related to the brazen daytime shooting death a day earlier of journalist Chauncey Bailey, who was gunned down near the Alameda County courthouse in downtown Oakland.Nineteen people were detained, but Jordan refused to provide further details and scheduled a news conference for later in the day.
Bailey, editor of the Oakland Post and a longtime reporter for the Oakland Tribune, had written stories about the bakery. KCBS-AM reported Friday that Bailey had been researching a new investigative piece about Your Black Muslim Bakery.
Your Black Muslim Bakery already has a history of violence and controversy. Last year, the owner's son was implicated in the religious-inspired, vigilante-style looting of several Oakland liquor stores. Also, the bakery's founder, Yusuf Bey, has been plagued by accusations of child molestation dating back to the 70s. Even Yelp reviewers warn patrons against bringing up controversial topics like Malcolm X.
However, last night's raid is undoubtedly the most serious problem for the extremist splinter group yet, particularly if the group is indeed responsible for Bailey's slaying.
Police detain 19 in morning raids at Muslim bakery, elsewhere [SFGate]
Predawn Raids Target Troubled Oakland Bakery [KTVU]
Your Black Muslim Bakery [Yelp]
Outspoken newsman shot dead in Oakland [SFGate]
