Oakland Warehouse Landlord Gets Angry in Interview: ‘I’m Not Going to Answer!’

‘I’m Not Going to Answer!’: Oakland Warehouse Landlord Gets in Incredibly Tense Must-See Interview (Mediaite)

Derick Ion Almena, the landlord of the Oakland Warehouse that caught fire this weekend killing 36 people in a mass casualty tragedy, spoke with Tamron Hall and Matt Lauer of the NBC TODAY Show Tuesday in an incredibly raw and honest TV interview that was cut short.

Almena, the landlord and creator behind what was known as the Ghost Ship Collective, was defensive and combative with the NBC anchors during his live shot from Oakland, where he broke down and repeatedly apologized for his actions. “What am I gonna say to that? I can barely stand here right now.”

The NBC anchors pressed him at times; Lauer asked directly, “Who should be held accountable for the loss” of life inside the warehouse? Lauer furthered by noting that “It’s a fair question,” in light of the unspeakable tragedy.