Laney College, a prominent educational institution in the Bay Area, was put on lockdown on Thursday following a shooting incident involving its well-known athletic director and former football coach, John Beam. The incident occurred around noon inside the campus field house, leading to a swift and comprehensive response from local law enforcement.
Beam, 66, is a respected figure in the world of Bay Area sports and gained national recognition through the Netflix series “Last Chance U.” He also led Laney to a community college football championship in 2018. Following the incident, Beam was transported to a local hospital for treatment. However, authorities have yet to disclose his condition or identify a suspect.
The Peralta Community College District, which oversees Laney College, confirmed that the campus was secured and there was no ongoing threat to students or staff. Despite this, in-person classes were canceled for the remainder of the day to allow investigators to gather evidence.
The shooting took place in the Laney Field House, a facility adjacent to the football field. Police arrived on the scene within minutes, initiating a lockdown and conducting a thorough search of the campus. The suspect is believed to have fled the scene on foot immediately after the shooting.
The victim was initially described by district officials as a senior member of the athletic staff, with his identity later confirmed by multiple Bay Area news outlets. As of Thursday evening, no arrests had been made and the motive behind the shooting remained unclear. Authorities have appealed to the public for any information related to the incident.
Beam has had a long and successful career in Oakland sports. Prior to his tenure at Laney, which began in 2012, he led successful teams at Skyline High School and was known for mentoring local players who went on to play at four-year colleges and in professional leagues. He retired as head coach in 2024 but continued to serve as athletic director.
During the lockdown, police established a perimeter around the field house and restricted access to nearby areas. Students attending afternoon classes were escorted out, while staff members were instructed to lock doors and silence their phones. The district has announced that classes will remain canceled to allow police to continue their investigation.
Former players and colleagues expressed their shock and support for Beam as news of the incident spread. Many community members praised his dedication to nurturing young athletes in Oakland’s high schools and community colleges. The campus resumed limited operations after the lockdown was lifted, with further updates expected to be provided by officials.