Multiple revelers were shot to death and police were attacked during an unauthorized rally involving thousands of people in Oakland, California, on Wednesday night.
KTVU reported that the celebration, attended by at least 5,000 people, was largely “peaceful” until about 8:15 p.m. local time. That’s when an illegal sideshow involving vehicles and motorcycles occurred.
Paul Chambers, strategic communications manager for the Oakland Police Department (OPD), said the shooting happened around 8:45 p.m. when a sideshow broke out along the street and crowds gathered in the fight area.
Raws Alerts captured some footage of the incident on its page. In the video, people scream in terror and run away as shots are fired.
Some motionless bodies could also be seen lying on buildings and sidewalks.
Watch (please note, the exact number of shots fired has not been confirmed by law enforcement):
Four people were shot and killed during Juneteenth celebrations in Oakland.pic.twitter.com/1UHoXgpAdy
— Civil Liberties Press (@CitizenFreePres) June 20, 2024
KTVU revealed there was a heavy police presence at the scene, with at least two dozen police cars and multiple ambulances. OPD said 28 officers and four sergeants were on scene monitoring the incident.
Chambers told KTVU that several people attacked OPD officers as officers tried to move the crowd to safety. At least one person was detained for assaulting a police officer, according to Chambers.
Oakland police are currently unable to confirm the death toll.
When KTVU arrived on scene, a man was being loaded into an ambulance. Police have gone to local hospitals to determine how many victims sought medical attention on their own.
Oakland police said the investigation into Wednesday night’s shooting is ongoing. Anyone with video or information about the incident is asked to contact authorities.
