Oakland, California – A college athletic director who rose to national attention through season five of Netflix’s Last Chance U was shot on campus Thursday afternoon, leaving the Laney College community shaken. The incident, first detailed by Mediaite, occurred shortly before noon at the Laney College Fieldhouse in Oakland.
Shooting Reported at Laney College Fieldhouse
Authorities confirmed that John Beam, Laney College’s longtime Athletic Director and central figure in Last Chance U’s 2020 season, was critically injured in the shooting. The attack unfolded around midday inside or near the Fieldhouse facility, prompting a rapid response from local law enforcement.
Acting Police Chief James Beere addressed reporters soon after the incident, noting that officers had responded to calls of shots fired at approximately 12 p.m.
Police Searching for a Suspect
At a press conference, Beere stated that investigators are appealing to the public for assistance in locating a possible suspect linked to the shooting.
“We’re currently asking the public’s help in locating a suspect, a potential suspect in this case,” Beere said.
Authorities said they are reviewing nearby surveillance footage to better understand how the shooting unfolded.
Connection to Netflix’s Last Chance U
Beam gained significant national recognition after appearing in season five of Netflix’s acclaimed sports documentary Last Chance U. The series followed the Laney College football program in Oakland, highlighting the challenges and personal stories of student-athletes striving to move to the next level.
Beam, known for his strong leadership style and deep roots in Bay Area football, was a central figure in the 2020 season.
Second School Shooting in Oakland in Two Days
Thursday’s incident marked the second campus shooting in Oakland within the week. Just a day earlier, a student was shot at Skyline High School. In that case, police arrested two minors and recovered two firearms. All individuals involved were under age 18.
Condition of the Victim
Officials said Beam was taken to a nearby hospital and was expected to survive the attack despite being listed in critical condition earlier in the day. No further medical details have been publicly released.
Ongoing Investigation
The Oakland Police Department continues to investigate, reviewing video evidence and interviewing witnesses. No motive has been disclosed, and efforts to identify or locate the suspect remain ongoing.
