Oakland, CA — In a chilling incident that bore the hallmarks of a targeted hit, Mario Juarez, a well-known political activist and local businessman, narrowly escaped an assassination attempt outside his East Oakland home. The incident occurred on June 9, when at least three suspects in vehicles with obstructed or stolen plates vandalized Juarez’s parked Chevrolet Suburban before opening fire on him. Juarez, a two-time City Council candidate, managed to take cover and return fire, preventing any casualties.
Authorities have revealed that Juarez, who has recently become a central figure in an ongoing criminal investigation, believes the attack was in retaliation for his involvement in the case. However, he has refused to provide further details to law enforcement. The investigation, which led to FBI raids on June 20, has targeted the residences of Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao and her partner Andre Jones, as well as Oakland businessman David Duong and his son Andy Duong. A federal grand jury has been convened to consider potential criminal charges related to the recycling company owned by the Duongs, California Waste Solutions.
Juarez, a long-time business owner with diverse ventures, including real estate and clean energy, has also faced active criminal charges since January. Prosecutors in Alameda County accused him of bouncing checks totaling $53,600 for mailers targeting Loren Taylor, a mayoral candidate, and others during the 2022 campaign. Prior to the assassination attempt, Juarez had been embroiled in a violent dispute with the Duongs, which allegedly involved death threats.
The incident unfolded when Juarez and his son returned home from Tracy on the night of June 9. Upon hearing a commotion, Juarez armed himself and went outside to investigate. He encountered a man in the front seat of his Chevrolet, but his attention was quickly diverted by another man who emerged from a double-parked car behind the vehicle. This second individual fired multiple shots at Juarez, prompting him to return fire. Fortunately, no one was injured, and the suspects fled the scene before the arrival of law enforcement.
Neighborhood witnesses reported multiple shootings within a 20-minute timeframe that night, corroborated by the city’s gunfire detection system and video surveillance. The investigation revealed that two vehicles, equipped with partially obstructed, stolen, or illegitimate paper license plates, were observed circling Juarez’s residence near Fruitvale Avenue and Foothill Boulevard before the attack.
Oakland police are actively investigating the attempted murder but have not made any arrests thus far. Juarez’s attorney, Ernie Castillo, who has previously claimed that the fraud charges against his client were politically motivated, declined to comment on the incident.
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This incident highlights the importance of personal safety and security measures for individuals involved in political activism or public advocacy. It serves as a reminder that those who engage in controversial or high-profile activities may face risks to their personal safety. It is crucial for activists and public figures to be aware of their surroundings, take necessary precautions, and consider implementing security measures to protect themselves and their families. This could include installing security cameras, increasing home security, varying daily routines, and being vigilant about potential threats. Additionally, it
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