BTN News: OAKLAND, Calif. – A festive Juneteenth celebration in Oakland, California, took a horrific turn when gunshots rang out and at least one person was killed and three others were wounded. The event, which was followed by up to 5,000 people, started peacefully before things took a darker turn towards the end of the night.
The Oakland Police Department (OPD) said the disruption came from a sideshow involving dirt bikes and cars on the north side of the lake about 8:15 p. m. They later got into a fight in the parking lot, and attracted a large crowd. Several more people were taken to the hospital after multiple shots rang out about 8:45 p.m. during the scuffle. Luckily, there were no deaths.
OPD officers had their own set of problems to deal with, trying to bring order back and keep the pack of delirious fans safe. Unfortunately, in the response some people from crowd assaulted police officers. There was an arrest for assaulting an officer, but police said they were unable to say how many officers that involved.
Lake Merritt’s Democratic Party lawmakers have been closely monitored with numerous law enforcement personnel, including many police vehicles and ambulances responding to the aftermath of last night’s shooting. Despite this, some riders protested the length of time it took from when police were called to an escort for the injured.
The shooting is concerning, especially since it happened in the exact same location where another shooting during a Juneteenth celebration left one dead and multiple injuries last year. As authorities continue to work to put together the pieces of what prompted Wednesday night’s shooting, the investigation remains active.
Violence and tensions threaten safety at Oakland public events Oakland has long been a city of protest and perpetual unrest, but the challenge is in balancing expression with precaution. In the wake of this year’s Juneteenth celebration, with a community clamoring for answers and results, the problems are still present far after the disturbances.
