The Laney College athletic director was shot today on the Oakland campus, sparking a campus-wide lockdown and an ongoing police investigation into the incident.
Shortly before noon, campus security and local authorities responded to a report of gunfire at the school’s fieldhouse on the Laney College campus in Oakland. A senior athletics staff member was struck and immediately transported to a nearby hospital for treatment. The victim has been reported by multiple sources to be and longtime coach and athletic director John Beam, though the college district has not officially confirmed his identity.
Upon receiving the report, law enforcement quickly secured the scene and placed the campus on lockdown while the suspect was initially at large. Acting Chief James Beere of the Oakland Police Department clarified during a press briefing that this was not an active-shooter scenario; rather a single shooting incident. The suspect, described as a male wearing dark clothing and a black hoodie, is still being sought.
Campus Response & Immediate Impact
The lockdown lasted until mid-afternoon, when authorities deemed the campus safe and lifted the alert. The college administration announced that in-person classes would be canceled for the remainder of the day and urged students, staff, and faculty to follow official communications for updates. The district’s statement emphasized concern for the safety of the campus community and affirmed coordination with law-enforcement investigators.
About John Beam and His Legacy
If confirmed, the victim John Beam has been a foundational figure in Oakland athletics for decades. In his longstanding role at Laney College, he guided the football program to notable success, including a national community-college championship in 2018 and national exposure when the team was featured on the Netflix series Last Chance U. He has been recognized by state high-school athletic organizations for his contributions to youth sports and mentorship.
Key Facts at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Time of incident | Just before noon today at Laney College’s fieldhouse at the Oakland campus |
| Victim | Senior athletics staff member at Laney College — sources identify him as John Beam, athletic director |
| Campus status | Lockdown was issued and later lifted; campus remains closed for the rest of the day |
| Suspect description | Male, dark clothing, black hoodie; fled the scene after the shooting |
| Investigation stage | Ongoing — police reviewing surveillance footage, interviewing witnesses, and asking for public tips |
What the Investigation Reveals and What Remains Unclear
Authorities have confirmed that the shooter fled the scene and remains at large. They are asking anyone with information—especially those near the campus fieldhouse at the time of the incident—to contact the Oakland Police Department tip line.
Several questions remain unaddressed:
- The motive for the shooting has not yet been released.
- It is unclear whether the victim knew the suspect.
- The exact condition and prognosis of the victim remain undisclosed by the college district.
- Details of the shooting location — e.g., whether it was inside the fieldhouse or immediately outside — are still being clarified.
Community Impact & Broader Context
The incident has deeply affected the Laney College community and resonated across Oakland. Many students, alumni, and athletes who were mentored by Beam—and who cheered his team’s successes—have taken to social media expressing concern and solidarity.
The shooting comes at a sensitive time: Oakland has witnessed another campus-related shooting just days ago, raising urgent questions about campus safety, gun violence, and preventive security measures in educational institutions. City officials emphasize that repeated incidents on campuses undermine the sense of safety and emphasize the need for targeted interventions in at-risk neighborhoods.
What Happens Next?
- The Oakland Police Department continues actively seeking leads and public assistance.
- Laney College and the Peralta Community College District are expected to convene internal review sessions of their emergency and security protocols.
- For now, virtual learning will continue, and the campus will remain closed until further notice.
- Updates on the victim’s condition, as well as investigative findings, are likely in the coming days.
Final Thoughts
The shooting at Laney College is a tragic event that challenges the safety and security of campus communities. As investigators work to piece together what happened, the college community is rallying around its injured leader and reflecting on the broader implications of violence in educational spaces.
Please share your thoughts or experiences below, and stay tuned for further developments as this story unfolds.