1 Dead, 6 Injured In Oakland Shooting; Police Seek Motive

OAKLAND, CA — One man died and at least six others were injured after being struck by gunfire near a Juneteenth festival in Oakland on Saturday, officials said. The Oakland Police Department has offered up to $40,000 for information about the incident.

A crowd of around 5,000 had gathered at the city's Lake Merritt for the celebration throughout the day, officials said. Police received a report of shots fired along the 2200 block of Lakeshore Avenue at 6:22 p.m., the Oakland Police Department said.

A 22-year-old San Francisco man suffering from a gunshot wound was taken to a hospital where he was pronounced dead. His name was not released.

The other victims — men ranging from ages 16 to 27 and a 21-year old woman — were taken to a local hospital. A seventh victim, only described as an adult woman, walked into a nearby hospital Saturday night also suffering from a gunshot wound from the incident, police said on Sunday. All surviving victims were reportedly in stable condition.

Police said about 1,000 people were in the area when shots were fired.

Two men were seen running from the crowd with guns "immediately after the shooting," Oakland police said. Both men were arrested on Saturday night and two firearms were recovered. Police have not released their names. Investigators said they are working to determine whether the two men were connected or responsible for the shooting.

Crime Stoppers of Oakland and the Oakland Police Department are offering up to $40,000 for information that leads to an arrest in the incident. Anyone with information, video footage or photos was encouraged to contact the department's Homicide Division at 510-238-3821.

Police said no other details would be released until Monday.

Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf commented on the deadly event on Sunday morning.

"It’s heartbreaking a joyous occasion at Lake Merritt was marred by violence," she tweeted. "Police in the immediate area tended to victims and apprehended two people with firearms near the scene. Our thoughts are w/ the family + friends of victims, and I thank our officers for a quick response."

Thousands of people gathered beside Oakland's lake to celebrate June 19, 1865. That's when Union soldiers brought the news of freedom to enslaved Black people in Galveston, Texas, two months after the Confederacy had surrendered.

Andrew Simpson said he was was jogging near the lake when he heard gunshots.

“Out of the corner of my eye I saw a guy with a gun pointing at a car. Everyone started sprinting and screaming," Simpson told the Bay Area News Group.

Witnesses said some people ran into the water when shots began

It wasn't immediately known whether there was any connection between the shooting and the Juneteenth events.

UPDATE: OPD investigating last night's shooting @ 2200/Lakeshore Ave. 7 reported shot, 1 of which is deceased.
OPD Homicide Investigators asking for public help in solving. If you have video/photos or any information call
(510) 238-3821
Click link https://t.co/pJP2qyMMHj pic.twitter.com/4RMwNF1JVY
— Oakland Police Dept. (@oaklandpoliceca) June 20, 2021

The Associated Press contributed to this report.