A critical incident in East Oakland had officers working the area of 40th Street and International Boulevard today, with newly appointed Police Chief James Beere set to brief reporters at 4 PM, according to Oakland police. The media were told to stage a few blocks away at 42nd Street and International while the response unfolded. Authorities have not said what prompted the call or whether anyone was injured or taken into custody.
What Oakland police have said
In a brief post from the Oakland Police Department, the department identified the scene as the area of 40th Street and International Boulevard and instructed media to gather at 42nd Street and International Avenue in advance of Beere's 4 PM remarks. The update did not include any description of the incident itself, nor did it offer information about victims, suspects or the scale of the response.
Chief Beere will address the media at 4:00 pm. https://t.co/cJuEMJIogk
— Oakland Police Dept. (@oaklandpoliceca) July 13, 2026
Beere's role and recent appointment
Beere was named Oakland's permanent police chief last Thursday, according to the City of Oakland. The city notes he has been with the department since 1997 and is frequently the one delivering on-scene briefings when major incidents unfold. Coverage of his appointment has described it as part of a broader leadership transition inside the department this month, as reported by the San Francisco Chronicle.
What to watch at the briefing
The 4 PM news conference is expected to be the first on-camera explanation from department leadership about what happened near 40th and International and how long the area might remain active with police. Reporters will be listening for basic details: whether anyone was hurt, if there are arrests or suspects, and what kind of disruption neighbors should expect in the short term.
Beere is already familiar to local viewers from previous high-profile responses. Hoodline has previously highlighted his on-camera presence after a large police deployment in April in a story headlined Interim chief rushes to mic.
This is a developing story. It will be updated after the chief's briefing and as more information becomes available from officials. Any formal statements, images or documents released by the department will be added to this report when provided.
