Vietnamese Immigrant Police officer Killed in Line of Duty in Oakland

In Oakland, a police officer was fatally shot while responding to a burglary on Embarcadero early Friday, December 29. Officer Tuan Le, who emigrated from Vietnam as a child and joined the force in 2020, was in plain clothes in an unmarked car when attacked around 4:30 a.m.

Mayor Sheng Thao expressed deep sorrow over Officer Le’s death; a sentiment echoed across Oakland. Interim Chief Darren Allison reported the officer’s response to a second burglary at a cannabis dispensary after an initial break-in earlier that night.

During the second burglary response, several officers, including those in plain clothes, arrived to find suspects fleeing. One suspect fired multiple shots at Le’s vehicle, fatally injuring him. Despite the situation, police did not return fire, and no suspects were apprehended.

Dr. Jennifer Tran, President of the Oakland Vietnamese Chamber of Commerce, noted that the stories recounted at the memorial service profoundly reflect Officer Le’s character.

“Friends telling stories from elementary (school), from when he was a toddler, how he was and how he continued to show that character of integrity and love and dedication from throughout high school until his time as a police officer,” said Tran.

The city recognized Officer Le’s significant community work in West Oakland, highlighting his role in building strong police-resident relationships. Chief Allison emphasized the inherent dangers of policing, acknowledging the great sacrifices made by officers like Le.