One person was killed and six others hurt in a shooting amidst crowded Juneteenth celebrations at Oakland's Lake Merritt on Saturday night.
At the time of the shooting, officials identified the victims as five males ranging in age from 16-27 and a 21-year-old woman. One of the victims, an unidentified 22-year-old man and San Francisco resident, died at a hospital, Oakland police said.
The injured victims are reported to be in stable condition.
Police on Sunday morning said that late Saturday night, a seventh victim walked into a local hospital suffering from a gunshot injury related to the Lake Merritt shooting. The victim as been identified as a female adult and is reported to be in stable condition.
Officials said two men running from the scene with guns were arrested and that both firearms have been recovered, but it wasn't clear if they were responsible for the shooting.
At a press conference early Sunday, Spokesperson Johnna Watson said investigators do not believe the shooting is directly connected to the Juneteenth celebrations, but it is "unfortunate that it occurred on that day."
"We're also looking to see if this is connected to gangs, groups, specific targets," Watson said.
Gunshots rang out along the 2200 block of Lakeshore Ave. at about 6:20 p.m., about eight blocks away from where the official Juneteenth Fest took place. Police confirmed there were about 1,000 people gathered at the site when the shooting happened, but a later statement reported about 5,000 gathered for celebrations throughout the day.
Those who heard the gunfire screamed and ran in all directions.
Witnesses said they heard more than a dozen gunshots.
Watson added that extra police were sent to the Lake Merritt area prior to the shooting to address potential sideshows and double parking.
She said some of the vendors had their cash boxes stolen after the shooting, which Watson categorized as "crimes of opportunity" as people fled the area. One of the gunshot victims was a vendor.
The incident is under investigation.
Crime Stoppers of Oakland and the Oakland Police Department are offering up to $40,000 for information leading to the arrests. Anyone with information, video or pictures is asked to call 510-238-3821.
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