Laney College AD John Beam Injured in Oakland Campus Shooting
On Thursday, Laney College Athletic Director John Beam was injured in a shooting incident on campus in Oakland, California. The event occurred at the Laney Fieldhouse, located at East 8th Street and Fifth Avenue, near Lake Merritt, shortly before noon. While the Oakland Police Department initially did not confirm the victim’s identity, local fire officials reported that a man was taken to the hospital for treatment of a gunshot wound.
Details of the Shooting Incident
Authorities responded to reports of gunfire, initially treating the situation as an active shooter scenario. However, they later determined that this was not the case. As a precaution, the college was placed on lockdown. This lockdown was lifted by 1:15 p.m., although the campus will remain closed for the remainder of the day and on Friday to allow students and faculty to process the traumatic event.
Search for Suspect
Police are actively searching for the suspect, described as a male wearing dark clothing and a black hoodie. No information regarding the suspect’s race has been released.
Institutional Response
Laney College is part of the Peralta Community College District, which issued a statement concerning the incident. The statement confirmed that a senior member of the athletic staff was shot and has been hospitalized. The district emphasized its support for the victim and their family during this challenging time and has decided not to disclose the victim’s name at this point.
Community Impact and Future Investigations
This incident has not only affected the college but also raised concerns among the community. The investigation remains active, and anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Oakland Police at 510-238-3821. The campus’s football program, previously featured in the Netflix series “Last Chance U” during 2020, is among those affected by the shooting.
- Date of Incident: Thursday, just before noon
- Location: Laney Fieldhouse, Oakland, CA
- Current Status of Campus: Closed for the rest of Thursday and Friday
- Police Contact: 510-238-3821 for information
As this situation develops, El-Balad will provide updates to keep the community informed.
