A tragedy struck an Oakland high school graduation ceremony on Thursday evening as gunshots disrupted the festivities, injuring two. The Oakland Police Department (OPD) is investigating the incident after responding to the scene in the 12200 block of Skyline Boulevard shortly before 7:45 p.m., where they discovered a male and female victim with gunshot wounds. The victims were immediately attended to by paramedics and sent to a hospital with injuries deemed stable, officials reported.
Following the chaos, Oakland authorities detained two individuals while the search continued for more potential suspects. According to what Lieutenant Robert Trevino indicated in a press conference, the exact number of those involved is yet to be determined. As families gathered to commemorate the accomplishments of their graduates, the sudden outbreak of violence, believed to have originated from a dispute earlier, sent shockwaves through the community, with witnesses recounting the fear and confusion that took hold.
The OPD is actively seeking assistance from the public, urging anyone with photos or videos of the event to forward them to [email protected]. Furthermore, CrimeStoppers of Oakland has issued a reward of up to $15,000 for information leading to an arrest. OPD Chief Floyd Mitchell has pledged an enduring commitment to public safety by ensuring a continued police presence at upcoming graduation ceremonies within the city.
In the wake of the shooting, while grappling with the aftermath, the opposing sentiments of fear and resilience surfaced. A parent shared with KTVU via Hoodline, "I told my husband, 'I don't think those were fireworks,'" initially mistaking the sound for celebratory pyrotechnics. Conversely, a graduate named Mohamed Sulaiman found a silver lining, telling KTVU it was a "happy day" despite the gravity of what transpired. The community now stands in the shadow of a milestone marred by gun violence, looking to heal and make sense of a night meant for celebration that ended in despair.
Anyone who has further information regarding the shooting incident is encouraged to contact the OPD Felony Assault Unit at (510) 238-3426.
