The downtown Oakland community was rocked by a shooting incident at the upscale Pierre Pierre restaurant last Friday night, which resulted in two people being wounded amidst their dining experience. The incident, which took place at the esteemed eatery located on 409 13th Street, left its windows shattered by bullet holes, signaling a violent disruption in an area known for its vibrant culinary scene. A 24-year-old Richmond man and a 31-year-old Oakland woman suffered injuries from the gunfire that erupted around 8:16 PM, as per The Mercury News.
Following the unfortunate event, the wounded were independently transported to different Bay Area hospitals and were last reported to be in stable condition, though their identities have not been disclosed. The unexpected turn of tragic events has stirred distress within the community, punctuated by a subsequent arrest of an individual who was observed discarding a semi-automatic weapon in the vicinity, yet believed to be unconnected to the initial shooting, according to The Mercury News.
The incident has not only caused immediate harm but has also prompted a palpable response from the restaurant's proponents. A post from the official Instagram account of @cleaz_kitchen expresses dismay over the events that unfolded, alongside an acknowledgment of the restaurant's significance to the Black community. "This hurts. I genuinely wanted to do something meaningful for us—for our people. We deserve to have something that’s ours. But the response I got makes me feel like giving up. I’m disappointed, because my heart was really in this. RIP Pierre Pierre," reflects the sentiment attached to the establishment, as mentioned in the post from Chef Cleaz Hill.
In reaction to the shooting, a GoFundMe page has been established to aid the restaurant in its path to recovery. The campaign, organized by Chef Cleashaun Hill, seeks to garner support for the relocation and rebuilding of Pierre Pierre, which has played a significant role as "a safe space, a sanctuary for Black excellence." The fundraiser outlines the need for relocation, restoration of damaged facility and equipment, support for the affected individuals, and assurances of enhanced security for the future. The goal is to perpetuate the restaurant's mission rooted in "community healing and cultural celebration."
