During the Juneteenth celebrations in Oakland, a shooting incident occurred, leaving several people injured. The Oakland Police Department reported that the violence broke out around 8:45 p.m. on Wednesday while approximately 5,000 individuals were participating in events at and around Lake Merritt.
According to the police statement, the peaceful atmosphere was disrupted when an illegal sideshow involving vehicles and motorbikes took place near Grand Avenue and Bellevue Avenue around 8:15 p.m. Subsequently, a fight broke out, leading to multiple gunshots being fired. Several victims were found by officers who had been struck by the gunfire. Fortunately, there were no immediate reports of fatalities, and the exact number of individuals shot is still being investigated.
The Oakland Police Department mentioned that no arrests have been made in connection with the shooting, and it is unclear whether there was a single shooter or multiple individuals involved. Following the incident, officers tried to guide the crowd to safety, but some individuals in the crowd assaulted the officers, resulting in minor injuries. One person was taken into custody for assaulting an officer.
Earlier in the day, Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao highlighted the significance of Juneteenth, which commemorates the emancipation of enslaved Black Americans. She emphasized Oakland's history in the fight for Black liberation and expressed the city's commitment to achieving equality for all individuals, regardless of race. Mayor Thao urged reflection on the dark history of slavery and racism in the United States, celebration of progress made, and a renewed dedication to achieving true liberation for all.
