OAKLAND, CA – A Juneteenth celebration in Oakland turned violent Wednesday night when a shooting broke out during an unsanctioned sideshow involving vehicles and motorbikes, leaving multiple people injured, according to police.
The Oakland Police Department reported that the incident occurred around 8:45 p.m. near Lake Merritt, where approximately 5,000 individuals had gathered for the festivities. The event was peaceful until about 8:15 p.m., when an illegal sideshow began near Grand Avenue and Bellevue Avenue. Shortly thereafter, a fight erupted, drawing the crowd’s attention. Amid the chaos, multiple gunshots were fired, resulting in several injuries.
Authorities have not yet confirmed the number of people shot or the severity of their injuries. No fatalities have been reported, and the investigation to determine the exact number of victims is ongoing. As of now, no arrests have been made, and it remains unclear whether the shooting involved a single perpetrator or multiple assailants.
In the aftermath of the shooting, police officers attempted to steer the crowd to safety. However, some individuals in the crowd became confrontational, leading to minor injuries among the officers. One person has been detained for assaulting an officer during the incident.
Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao addressed the community earlier in the day, emphasizing the significance of Juneteenth as a symbol of freedom for Black Americans. She expressed pride in Oakland’s history of advocating for Black liberation and reiterated the city’s commitment to ensuring equality and justice for all.
The Juneteenth event where the shooting took place was not officially sanctioned by the city. Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident, urging anyone with information to come forward.