Oakland's Juneteenth celebrations took a violent turn on Wednesday evening as a shooting occurred during an "illegal sideshow involving vehicles and motorbikes," leaving several people injured, according to the Oakland Police Department.

The incident unfolded around 8:45 p.m. near Grand Avenue and Bellevue Avenue, where roughly 5,000 people were participating in events at and around Lake Merritt. The crowds had initially been peaceful until around 8:15 p.m. when an unauthorized sideshow took place. Shortly thereafter, a fight broke out, drawing the attention of the crowd. In the chaos, multiple gunshots were fired, resulting in several individuals being struck.

Although there were no immediate reports of fatalities, the exact number of people injured in the shooting is still under investigation. The Oakland Police Department has not made any arrests at this time and is unsure whether there was a single shooter or multiple individuals involved.

Following the shooting, officers attempted to guide the crowd to a safe area. However, some individuals within the crowd turned violent and physically assaulted the officers, resulting in minor injuries. One person has been taken into custody for assaulting an officer.

Juneteenth, historically known as the day when enslaved Black Americans in Confederate territory learned of their freedom, holds significant meaning to Oakland. Mayor Sheng Thao highlighted the city's commitment to the fight for Black liberation and called for reflection on the dark history of slavery and racism in the nation.

As the investigation continues, authorities strive to determine the full extent of the injuries and identify those responsible for the shooting. The incident serves as a reminder of the challenges still faced in the pursuit of true liberation and equal opportunities.

Juneteenth is a day to honor the progress made and recommit to creating a society where everyone, regardless of their skin color, can lead a happy and healthy life. The Oakland community stands united in its determination to eliminate violence and create a safe and inclusive environment for all.