In a shocking turn of events, a Juneteenth celebration in Oakland's Lake Merritt on Wednesday night took a violent turn as at least four people were shot, according to police. The celebration, which initially attracted around 5,000 peaceful attendees, was marred by an illegal sideshow and subsequent altercation.

The incident unfolded around 8:15 p.m. near Grand and Bellevue Avenues, where an unlawful sideshow occurred. As tensions escalated, multiple gunshots rang out, leaving several victims injured. Witnesses described a chaotic scene as celebrations turned into panic.

"We were all celebrating, there were sideshows, couple of fights that were going on - next thing we know, we all thought we heard fireworks, so we ran from the direction," recounted Tamia Robinson, a witness at the scene. "Next thing you hear, another 'boom, boom, boom, boom, boom' from the other side of the lake. We come down here, walking, and my sister sprints across the street, where she's seen one of her friends were laying out."

Emergency services swiftly responded to the incident, transporting four gunshot victims to a nearby hospital. Unfortunately, their current conditions remain unknown. Additionally, several other injuries were reported, raising concerns of a possible "mass casualty" event. Law enforcement agencies are currently investigating the shooting, with no arrests made at this time.

Following the shooting, as authorities attempted to guide the crowd to a safe area, a portion of individuals within the crowd became confrontational, leading to minor injuries among officers. Oakland police reported one person being taken into custody for assaulting an officer.

Notably, the Juneteenth-related celebrations at Lake Merritt had not been authorized gatherings, according to Oakland police. The unfortunate turn of events cast a shadow over a day meant to commemorate freedom and unity.

As investigations continue, authorities are working to determine the exact details surrounding the shooting, including whether there was a single shooter or multiple individuals involved. The incident serves as a somber reminder of the need for enhanced safety measures during public gatherings.

Bay City News contributed to this story.