URGENT UPDATE: The Oakland Police Department has barred student journalist Nelzy Gonzalez-Zaragoza from a press conference today regarding the tragic death of John Beam, a beloved Laney College coach who was fatally shot on campus just one day earlier. This unprecedented incident has sparked widespread outrage and raised serious concerns about press freedom and access to information.
Moments before the media event commenced on November 14, 2025, Gonzalez-Zaragoza, an associate editor for the Peralta Citizen, was informed she could not enter due to her lack of an OPD-issued press credential. This “mandatory” requirement has drawn criticism from journalists who argue it undermines the press’s role in covering significant community issues.
“It’s not fair that any reporter was kicked out,” Gonzalez-Zaragoza stated, emphasizing her commitment to cover a story that has gripped the community. The shooting of John Beam, who gained national recognition through Netflix’s “Last Chance U,” has left Laney College in mourning, making timely news coverage essential.
Hours after Gonzalez-Zaragoza’s removal, organizations including the First Amendment Coalition and the Society of Professional Journalists of Northern California condemned the Oakland Police Department’s actions. They sent a letter to police officials and Mayor Barbara Lee, asserting that the policy “interferes with the ability of the press to keep the public informed.”
“This policy and today’s actions serve no one. Newsrooms must have the ability to send any journalist they choose to cover the news,” the letter stated.
Other journalists, including those from The Oaklandside and the San Francisco Chronicle, also faced barriers. A photographer from the Bay Area News Group and another Citizen reporter were only allowed inside after agreeing to apply for a press credential on the spot.
Despite OPD’s claim that the press credential policy is a safety measure, critics argue there were no legitimate threats that justified the exclusion of reporters. “OPD interfered with journalists’ ability to do their jobs for no reason,” the letter continued.
Assistant Chief James Beere, now serving as interim police chief, defended the policy by stating it is vital for ensuring safety within the Police Administration Building. He encouraged all media professionals to complete the credential application process.
“The Oakland Police Department’s media credential policy is a necessary security measure, not an infringement on First Amendment rights,” Beere wrote in a response to the press organizations.
In a striking contrast, no such credential requirement exists for media events at Oakland City Hall or the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office, raising further questions about the OPD’s practices.
Gonzalez-Zaragoza and her fellow Citizen reporters quickly mobilized to report on the shooting of John Beam, who was shot inside the Laney College Field House on November 13, 2025. The shooting occurred just steps away from their newsroom, prompting immediate coverage efforts despite the campus being on lockdown.
“We need to cover this story accurately and fairly,” said Eleni Gastis, the faculty advisor for the Citizen. “It’s critical that our students are allowed to do their jobs without barriers.”
This situation raises urgent questions about press rights and the accountability of public institutions. As the community seeks answers in the face of tragedy, the actions of the OPD may further complicate the quest for transparency and truth.
The First Amendment Coalition is calling for an immediate end to the controversial policy. As the story develops, the implications for journalism in Oakland and beyond remain significant.
