The shooting of longtime Laney College coach and athletic director John Beam shocked the Oakland community and the nationwide audience who knew him from Netflix’s Last Chance U. Below is a complete, easy-to-read timeline of events — from the shooting to the arrest — based on the latest confirmed updates from authorities and local media.
Timeline of Events
Thursday — Around Noon: Shooting on Laney College Campus
The incident occurred shortly after noon at the Laney College Field House / athletic facility in Oakland.
Coach John Beam was shot on campus during a disturbance that quickly escalated.
Campus officials immediately placed Laney College on lockdown as police rushed to the scene.
Beam was transported to Highland Hospital, where he remains in critical condition.
Thursday Afternoon — Police Launch Full Investigation
The Oakland Police Department secured the scene and began reviewing campus security footage.
Students and staff were evacuated or sheltered in place until authorities declared the area safe.
Police confirmed the shooting was not random, though they did not release details about motive.
Thursday Evening — Community Responds
Educators, athletes, former players, and public officials expressed deep concern.
Beam was described as a “pillar of Oakland athletics,” a mentor who guided thousands of young athletes into higher education and professional careers.
Friday Morning — Arrest Announced
Oakland police announced that a suspect had been arrested in connection with the shooting of John Beam.
Authorities have not yet released the identity of the suspect or full motive details.
The arrest ended the immediate threat but raised further questions about campus safety and previous violent incidents in the area.
Ongoing — Investigation & Updates
Police continue investigating:
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motive behind the shooting
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whether the suspect had a prior connection to the college
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how the suspect accessed the athletic facility
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whether additional individuals were involved
Laney College is reviewing security protocols, and further updates are expected as new information is confirmed.
Who John Beam Is & Why This Matters
John Beam has been a central figure in Bay Area football for decades.
He gained national recognition when the Netflix series “Last Chance U” featured the Laney Eagles program in 2020.
He is known for:
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decades of coaching experience
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helping at-risk youth and student-athletes
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leadership within the Oakland sports community
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guiding players to NCAA and NFL careers
Because of his impact, the shooting has sparked local and national concern, drawing attention far beyond Oakland.
What to Watch Next
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Medical update on John Beam
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Charges filed against the arrested suspect
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Motive behind the attack
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Security upgrades at Laney College
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Statements from family, Laney College officials, and Oakland Police
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Reaction from Last Chance U community and former players
