Authorities in Oakland, California, reported that fifteen individuals were shot during an illegal “sideshow” that disrupted a peaceful Juneteenth celebration. Police are still searching for multiple shooters, as over 50 shell casings were found at the scene. By Thursday afternoon, no arrests had been made.
The incident took place on Wednesday night at Lake Merritt, where around 5,000 people were attending the Juneteenth event. Approximately 20 vehicles, mostly ATVs and dirt bikes, arrived around 8:15 p.m. and initiated the sideshow on the north side of the lake.
Sideshows, which involve stunts like doughnuts and drifting, are a growing problem in cities across the U.S. Participants often block intersections and engage in reckless behavior, making it difficult for law enforcement to intervene.
Oakland Police Chief Floyd Mitchell stated that during the event, one person was attacked by multiple individuals after walking on top of a sideshow vehicle. Some members of the crowd also assaulted police officers, resulting in one woman being detained for attacking an officer while they were attending to a gunshot victim.
Detectives are currently using social media to identify the shooters responsible for the violence. Among the victims, one individual is in critical condition, while others suffered injuries such as the loss of fingers and minor gunshot wounds.
Chief Mitchell emphasized the need for safe celebrations, free from violence, and highlighted the significance of Juneteenth, a federal holiday since 2021 commemorating the emancipation of enslaved individuals in the U.S.
Juneteenth celebrations typically include street festivals, concerts, and various events, although incidents like the recent shooting at Lake Merritt in 2021 have marred the occasion for some attendees.
