John Beam, the athletic director and former head football coach at Laney College — the school featured in Netflix's "Last Chance U" docuseries — was injured Thursday in an on-campus shooting.
According to CBS News, the shooting happened at the Laney Fieldhouse just before noon. An official said that medics transported "a senior member" of the athletic staff to a hospital, later confirming it was Beam.
Beam's condition is currently unknown, but the San Francisco Chronicle reported that he had been shot in the head.
Acting Oakland Police Chief James Beere told reporters at a press conference that the incident was isolated and did not involve an active shooter. He did not have any information about the suspect, only saying he was male and wearing a hoodie.
The district sent out an emergency alert to students and staff, and people were urged to stay clear of the area.
"I am heartbroken by today's shooting at Laney College, the second shooting on an Oakland campus in one week," said Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee in a statement. "We must continue confronting the ongoing gun violence crisis that is robbing our community of safety and stealing futures. This is a moment for our community to come together and address this violence with urgency."
Beam earned national recognition as former head coach of the Laney College Eagles in the Netflix docuseries "Last Chance U." Beam retired as head football coach in 2024 and was hired as the school's athletic director.
During his time as head football coach, Beam boasted a 90% graduation and transfer rate to four-year colleges.
