An Oakland Juneteenth gathering Wednesday night was marred with chaos and shootings during a massive celebration attended by 5,000 people.
The city said 32 police personnel patrolled the event around Lake Merritt, which was largely peaceful until around 8:15 p.m., when an illegal car and motorbike sideshow unfolded nearby. Shortly after, a fight escalated to shots fired.
Police said several people were struck by gunfire, but an exact number of victims remains unknown. It's unclear if there was more than one gunman, and no arrests have been made in connection with the shooting.
A local news team described the scene as chaotic and confrontational, with attendees getting verbally combative with police during the incident.
Tamia Robinson told KTVU-TV her friend died in the shooting, but police said no fatalities could be confirmed.
"We don't have enough love in the community. We don't have enough outreach for the youth. And this is what happens when you do not have enough resources and you just have bulls in a ring," Robinson said, according to the station. "I'm very disappointed. It's a shame we can't even get together as a community and enjoy each other, celebrate each other. Celebrate our ancestors without somebody being killed."
