Derick Almena, manager of the Oakland, California warehouse “Ghostship” that went up in flames last weekend during an underground event killing at least 36 people, defends his role as landlord of the building which was used as a residential artist community. The investigation may result in criminal charges for Mr. Almena and those negligent to city codes.
During the interview with Today, Mr. Almena is visibly distraught and continuously rambles about the tragedy.
“I’m only here to say sorry.”
“Am I the man who should be held accountable? Did I build something that… what am I going to say to that? Should I be held accountable? I can barely stand here right now.”
“I laid my body down there every night. I laid my children’s bodies down there every night. We made music. We created art. We made it our home.”
“This wasn’t about me three years ago. I signed a lease and received a building that was up to city standards, supposedly.”
When questioned about tenants complaining that he only cared about profits and never spent a dime on anything but partying, Almena responded,
“I don’t want to talk about me. I don’t want to talk about profiting. This is profit? The loss of mass life? This is not profit, this is loss. This is a mass grave.”
“I’m only here to say that I am incredibly sorry and that everything I did was to make this a stronger, more beautiful community.”
“People didn’t walk through those doors because this was a horrible place. People didn’t seek us out because this was a horrible place. I’m 47 years old and I’m the father of this place.”
“On the night of the fire, did I know there was going to be a fire? Did I remove my children from the space because I wanted to avoid this and cast blame on other people? No, I wanted to get sleep with my children and let the young people do what they wanted to do.”
“No, I’m not going to answer these questions on this level. I’d rather get on the floor and be trampled by the parents. I’d rather let them tear at my flesh than answer these ridiculous questions. I’m so sorry, I’m incredibly sorry,” he said before the interview was called off.
Head here to contribute to a Fire Relief Fund for Victims of the terrible tragedy. As of writing over $380,000 has been raised.
Watch the full interview below:
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