Police have arrested a 29-year-old man believed to have broken into Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee’s office last week before taking her city-issued vehicle on a joyride.
Authorities say the suspect entered City Hall and broke into the mayor’s office without triggering an alarm. He also made it to the 11th floor, which requires key card access. Once inside, he obtained the keys to the vehicle.
A security expert who spoke to NBC Bay Area said the incident raises serious concerns about the mayor’s safety.
“What makes this especially concerning is that she could have walked into her office Monday morning and that suspect could have been hiding in there — and security would have had no idea,” said former San Jose Police Department officer and security analyst Michael Leninger.
Councilmember Noel Gallo is calling for increased police presence around City Hall.
The city administrator’s office says it is reviewing security protocols and working with local police and outside experts to enhance building security.