An American football coach who gained national recognition through the Netflix documentary series Last Chance U is fighting for his life after being shot on his college campus in Oakland, California.
Critical Condition Following Lunchtime Attack
John Beam, the director of athletics at Laney College, sustained critical injuries during a Thursday lunchtime incident at the institution's field house. The shooting occurred around midday at the downtown sports training complex, sending shockwaves through the educational community.
The Oakland Police Department immediately placed the entire Laney campus on lockdown as officers searched for an active shooter. Authorities confirmed the suspect remained at large on Friday morning, describing him only as a male wearing dark clothing, including a hoodie, who was seen fleeing the scene.
Netflix Star and Community Pillar
Beam has served as the leader of Laney College's sports programme since July 2006, according to the institution's official website. He achieved broader recognition when he and his team appeared in the fifth and final season of Netflix's acclaimed documentary series Last Chance U in 2020.
The series highlighted the significant challenges facing non-elite colleges in maintaining competitive sports programmes, chronicling Laney's six-win, five-loss 2019 season. The success of the original programme led to a two-season spin-off, Last Chance U: Basketball, in 2021.
Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee described Beam as "a giant in Oakland – a mentor, an educator, and a lifeline for thousands of young people." In a statement posted to X, she emphasised his four decades of service shaping leaders both on and off the field.
Second Campus Shooting in Two Days
This violent incident marks the second shooting on an Oakland educational campus within just 48 hours. On Wednesday, a student was shot at Oakland's Skyline High School, though that victim is reportedly in stable condition. Police confirmed they arrested two juveniles and recovered two firearms in connection with that case.
Acting Oakland Police Chief John Beere addressed the confusion surrounding the Laney College incident during a Thursday afternoon press conference. "There was some concern that this may have been an active shooter. We responded as if it was … I can tell you right now it was not an active shooter," he stated, while appealing for public assistance in locating the suspect.
Investigators are currently examining any potential relationship between Beam and the gunman, reviewing witness statements and surveillance footage from the area.
According to the EveryShot tracker maintained by advocacy group Everytown, there have been at least 460 on-campus gunfire incidents in 2025 across educational institutions from elementary schools to universities. California has experienced 33 such incidents this year alone, with 73 proving fatal nationwide.
Officials from the Peralta Community College District, which oversees Laney College, described the shooting as "a frightening moment for our community" but confirmed there was no longer an active threat and the campus had reopened. They emphasised that student and staff safety remains their highest priority.
