A peaceful Juneteenth celebration in Oakland, California, took a turn for the worse when a shooting occurred, leaving several people injured, according to police. The incident occurred during a sideshow involving motorbikes and vehicles at around 8:15 p.m. on the north side of Lake Merritt.

The evening had started off with approximately 5,000 attendees enjoying the festivities in a largely peaceful manner. However, a fight broke out down the street from the sideshow, which caused a crowd to gather in the vicinity. Suddenly, multiple gunshots rang out at around 8:45 p.m., resulting in several individuals being struck by gunfire. The injured victims were swiftly taken to a hospital, though there were no reports of any fatalities.

During the chaos, some individuals in the crowd assaulted Oakland Police Department (OPD) officers who were attempting to maintain order and ensure the safety of the attendees. One person was taken into custody for assaulting an officer, although the exact number of officers attacked was not stated.

A significant police presence was observed at the scene, with as many as two dozen police vehicles and multiple ambulances responding to the incident. A total of 28 officers and four sergeants were present to monitor the event beforehand.

In the aftermath of the shooting, some participants in the celebration expressed frustration with the police response, claiming that they did not arrive quickly enough when people were injured.

This unfortunate incident comes just one year after a shooting during a Juneteenth celebration at Lake Merritt resulted in several injuries and the death of a 22-year-old San Francisco man.

The investigation into the shooting that occurred on Wednesday night is still ongoing, with authorities working diligently to gather more information related to the incident.

Juneteenth, a day commemorating the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in the United States, was marred by violence in Oakland this year. As the community grapples with the aftermath of this tragic event, efforts will undoubtedly be made to ensure future celebrations can be held in a safe and peaceful environment.