Mehserle Released From Jail

BAY CITY NEWS – Hundreds of protesters gathered at the Fruitvale BART station this afternoon in Oakland, before an ex-BART police officer's release Monday from a Los Angeles jail for the killing of a Hayward man in early 2009.

Several hundred people began protesting this morning at the Fruitvale Village  station plaza, near the site of the shooting of Oscar Grant, 22. Former BART  police Officer Johannes Mehserle was convicted of killing Grant on New Year's Day 2009 on a station platform.

After the 3 p.m. rally at the BART station, protesters began marching down International Boulevard to arrive at a larger 5:30 p.m. rally at 14th Street and Broadway in downtown Oakland. The Coalition for Justice for Oscar Grant organized the rally and march, working with the justice group  ONYX.

Mehserle admitted that he shot and killed Grant but said he had meant to use his Taser on Grant and fired his service gun by mistake.

Last year, jurors convicted Mehserle of involuntary manslaughter.

On Nov. 5, Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Robert Perry sentenced Mehserle to two years, but his prison term was shortened and he is expected to be released Monday from Los Angeles County Men's Central Jail, according to Grant's family.

Support, justice and peace were the main message of the rally and the crowd remained calm despite high emotions with Mehserle's release.

"It's been mellow," Oakland police Officer J. Moore said about the protest and rally. No arrests or acts of vandalism have been reported, he said.

News of Mehserle's release sparked emotion for many family members and supporters of Grant, who voiced their opinions at today's rally and march. Grant's uncle, Daryl Johnson, told the crowd the public's support is crucial.

"We need you now, we need you later – until the justice system is fixed, he said.

Rosemary Hernandez, another family member, told protesters, "I am not happy with Johannes Mehserle's release. This needs to stop."

A civil rights lawyer, who worked with the Grant family after the shooting, emphasized supporters continue fighting unjust police shootings.

"Even though Oscar is gone, there is still the opportunity to continue our sense of outrage," John Burris said. "Stay engaged, stay focused."

Grant's young daughter Tatiana was at the rally, introduced by a father of one of the men also at the station platform when Grant was shot.

"(Judge Perry) said Johannes Mehserle should go home to his daughter. What about Oscar Grant's daughter?" he said.

Castro Valley resident Mario Arias, 49, attended the protest to support Grant and his family.

"A young man lost his life unnecessarily," he said. "There needs to be accountability."

After hearing from family and community members, the crowd left the Fruitvale Village plaza chanting, "We are all Oscar Grant!" as they made their way to 14th Street and Broadway.