Belal Esa, a 59-year-old father of four and a beloved member of the Oakland community, tragically lost his life on September 19, 2022, in a drive-by shooting. Esa was known for his generosity and kindness, often collecting food from nearby stores to distribute to those in need. On the night of his death, Esa had just finished evening prayers at the Oakland Islamic Center and was heading to meet friends for coffee at a nearby restaurant.
As he arrived, gunfire erupted from a small white sedan, striking Esa and another man, Asam Al-Awjri, 27, who also died from his injuries. A 19-year-old man was injured in the leg during the incident.
The community was left in shock and mourning, with many remembering Esa for his warm smile and dedication to helping others, both within and outside the Muslim community. The violent nature of the shooting, which occurred in a place of worship and community gathering, has led to calls for justice and increased resources for the Oakland Police Department, which has been struggling with understaffing and a high number of homicide cases.
Despite the severity of the crime, no suspects have been identified or arrested in connection with the shooting. Security cameras captured footage of the gunfire, and police have urged the public to come forward with any information or additional surveillance footage that could help identify the perpetrators. The investigation remains ongoing, with the community and law enforcement working together to seek justice for Belal Esa and the other victims of this senseless act of violence.
