Beloved “Last Chance U” Coach John Beam Shot at Laney College

John Beam, the celebrated football coach and athletic director featured in the Netflix series “Last Chance U,” was shot on the campus of Laney College in Oakland on Thursday. The incident has left the local community and the show’s fans in shock.

The shooting occurred just before midday at the college’s sports complex. Oakland police officers responded to find a man with gunshot wounds. He was transported to a hospital by medics. Authorities have since confirmed the victim is John Beam, who was in critical condition as of Thursday night. Police are currently investigating the shooting and have asked for the public’s help in locating a potential suspect. No motive has been established, and the attacker has not been identified.

Details of the Campus Shooting

The shooting took place at the Laney College Fieldhouse. The college was immediately placed on lockdown as police secured the area and began their investigation. The lockdown has since been lifted, but the campus remained closed for the rest of Thursday.

Acting Oakland Police Chief James Beere stated that investigators are reviewing surveillance video to determine the exact circumstances of the shooting. The suspect was last seen wearing dark clothing and remains at large. Officials have not provided any further details about the events leading up to the incident.

John Beam’s Condition and Community Reaction

John Beam, 66, was listed in critical condition on Thursday night. The Peralta Community College District, which includes Laney College, released a statement expressing their shock and heartbreak.

“We are stunned and heartbroken that such violence has touched our campus and one of the most respected and beloved members of our Laney, Peralta, and Oakland community,” the district said. “John Beam is a renowned coach, teacher, mentor, and leader whose impact extends far beyond athletics. Our thoughts are with him and his family.”

Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee also issued a statement, calling Beam “a giant in Oakland” and highlighting his profound influence on the community.

“Coach Beam is a giant in Oakland — a mentor, an educator, and a lifeline for thousands of young people. For over 40 years, he has shaped leaders on and off the field, and our community is shaken alongside his family,” Lee said. She also emphasized that “schools should be the safest spaces in our city. We need guns off our streets now.”

A Coaching Legacy in Oakland

John Beam has been a cornerstone of the Oakland sports community for more than four decades. He served as the head football coach at Laney College from 2012 until his retirement from coaching last year. Under his leadership, the Laney Eagles won their first CCCAA football state championship in 2018. He has remained at the college as its athletic director, a role he has held since 2006.

His influence extends far beyond wins and losses. Beam has coached over 20 players who went on to play in the NFL and more than 100 who moved on to Division 1 teams. He was famously featured in the fifth season of the Netflix documentary series “Last Chance U,” which showcased the lives of junior college football players at Laney College striving for redemption and a shot at their dreams.

Beam was known for his dedication to his players’ success both on and off the field. In a past interview, he explained his philosophy of showcasing a wide range of career paths for his students.

“I put the jerseys [of Laney alumni in the NFL] up there to inspire folks. But then on Thursdays, I bring in other folks that come in that have played for me that are now doctors, or write books, or are police officers, or firemen. And so I want to let everybody know that these are all possibilities,” Beam said.

A Troubling Context of School Violence

This incident marks the second shooting at an Oakland school in two days. On Wednesday, a juvenile was shot and two others were arrested at Skyline High School. The victim from that incident was reported to be in stable condition. Mayor Lee acknowledged the weight of these events on the city, stating, “The last two days have been incredibly heavy for our city.”

The investigation into the shooting at Laney College is ongoing. Police are urging anyone with information to come forward as they work to locate the suspect involved.

Credits: CNN, NBC News, ESPN

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