Artist shot to death while working on mural in Oakland
OAKLAND (KRON) — A muralist shot and killed in Oakland Tuesday morning while working on a community art project has caused an outpouring of grief and disbelief.
“I had the pleasure and honor of working alongside him on a huge mural underneath the 580 freeway on San Pablo Ave in Oakland,” one artist wrote on Instagram this afternoon. “Antonio’s positive attitude and work ethic was truly unparalleled.”
The artist was painting under the Interstate 580 underpass at West Street and 35th Street in West Oakland.
A verbal altercation broke out between the artist and the gunman. Shortly after the argument, the other man pulled out a gun and shot the artist. Police responded to the incident just after 10:30 a.m., police said.
The victim was transported to a hospital.
Police have not arrested any suspects.
Oakland Police Chief Sean Whent called the fatal shooting “really tragic” and “totally unacceptable.”
Whent said the artist was “someone who was trying to make a positive difference in this city and lost his life.”
Oakland police spokeswoman Johnna Watson said the artist, who she only identified as a young adult male, was one of several other people who were working on a mural planned for West Street under the Interstate Highway 580 overpass between 35th and 36th streets.
Police are interviewing witnesses, including artists who were with the victim, and will review footage from surveillance cameras in the area, Watson said.
“This is a busy area with a mix of commercial and residential buildings so we hope someone saw something,” she said.
Authorities said the artists were working on the Oakland Super Heroes Mural Project, which is being organized by ArtEsteem, the art and literacy arm of Attitudinal Healing Connection, a West Oakland Group that seeks to stop violence by inspiring people with art and education.
Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf said, “Attitudinal Healing Connection is one of the most heartfelt organizations in the city and provides hope and opportunity for young people and I know their people well.”
Schaaf said, “Every loss of life is tragic and I had a very tragic heart when I learned about this.”
The organizers of the Oakland Super Heroes Mural Project said it showcases artwork designed by students from various schools in the city.
The shooting occurred at the site of the third mural of six in the project. Work on the third mural began on Sept. 19.
Organizers said students from West Oakland Middle School planned to help paint the mural along with professional muralists at an event scheduled for Wednesday.
ArtEsteem is raising funds to complete the remaining murals through an Indiegogo campaign at www.indiegogo.com/projects/oakland-superheroes-mural-project.
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