Oakland Ghost Ship founder visits scene of tragic fire
OAKLAND, Calif. (KGO) -- The founder of the Oakland Ghost Ship art collective visited the scene of the fire that killed 36 people on Tuesday morning.
MORE: Ghost Ship founder's close associates talk to I-Team
While Derick Ion Almena didn't answer any questions, here's what he did say to a reporter at the scene: "I'm an honorable man. I'm a proud man. No, I'm not going to answer questions on this topic. 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, what do you want me to say? I'm not going to answer these questions."
He told ABC7 News Reporter Lilian Kim Sunday night that the children that died were his friends, his families, his love.
Since the fire, stories have surfaced about how he allegedly ignored repeated warnings that his artist's enclave was a "death trap."
PHOTOS: A look inside the Oakland Ghost Ship collective warehouse
He was then criticized for a Facebook post soon after the fire that many thought to be insensitive.
It says, "Confirmed. Everything I worked so hard for is gone. Blessed that my children and Micah were at a hotel safe and sound... it's as if I have awoken from a dream filled with opulence and hope... to be standing now in poverty of self worth."
Click here for all ABC7 News stories, videos, and photos from the Ghost Ship warehouse fire.
PHOTOS: Some of the victims of the tragic Oakland Ghost Ship fire
