As jury deliberations continue following the controversial trial of a Bay Area Rapid Transit Officer, law enforcement officials are warning local businesses to prepare for possible demonstrations. Police have reportedly heard of possible outside agitation in an attempt to turn peaceful movements into acts of civil unrest.
The BART officer was seen on video shooting and killing an unarmed passenger while helping another officer who was mistreating a group of men suspected of fighting on a train. The incident occurred on New Year’s Day in 2009 and triggered outrage and violence in Oakland. The trial is being held in Los Angeles due to the extensive media coverage. The verdict could occur anytime in the next few days.
The city and local community leaders have been promoting peace in the area, but there have been indications that potential violence is real. Some local businesses are preparing to board up their shops in the Fruitvale BART district, where the incident took place last year.
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