Oakland Police Bar Student Journalist from Press Conference

BREAKING: In a shocking turn of events, student journalist Nelzy Gonzalez-Zaragoza was forcibly removed from a police press conference concerning the tragic shooting of beloved Laney College coach John Beam on November 14, 2025. The Oakland Police Department (OPD) barred her from entering, citing a lack of a police-issued press credential, raising serious concerns about press freedom and access to critical information.

Just one day after the fatal incident that left John Beam dead, Gonzalez-Zaragoza arrived at the OPD press briefing with a camera and notepad, ready to cover what many consider a national story. However, the OPD enforced a controversial policy that has long frustrated journalists: mandatory press credentials for entry. This policy, introduced three years ago, has faced criticism for limiting access to media events on matters of public interest.

In a swift response to this incident, First Amendment advocates and legal experts condemned the OPD’s actions, stating that such practices “interfere with the ability of the press to keep the public informed.” A letter addressed to police officials and Mayor Barbara Lee called for an immediate end to the restrictive policy, emphasizing that it threatens the independence of the press and hinders the community’s access to diverse news sources.

“I felt comfortable going in there … it’s not fair that any reporter was kicked out,” said Gonzalez-Zaragoza, a lifelong Oakland resident. She was not the only reporter affected; journalists from The Oaklandside and the San Francisco Chronicle were also denied entry. Other reporters from Bay Area News Group were only allowed to attend after hastily applying for credentials on-site.

While OPD maintains that press credentials enhance safety, advocates argue that there were no valid security threats present. The letter from the First Amendment Coalition, Pacific Workers Media Guild, and the Society of Professional Journalists of Northern California highlighted that no legal justification existed for excluding reporters from the event.

Assistant Chief James Beere, recently appointed interim police chief, defended the policy in a letter, stating, “Knowing the identity of journalists accessing non-public areas within the Police Administration Building is vital for everyone’s safety.” However, critics argue that pressure on journalists to comply with such policies limits their ability to report freely and effectively on important community issues.

The incident has sparked intense discussions around press rights, with minority voices in the field arguing that student journalists like Gonzalez-Zaragoza should have equal access to report on significant local events. “OPD interfered with journalists’ ability to do their jobs for no reason,” the letter read.

Meanwhile, in the wake of the shooting, the atmosphere in Oakland is heavy with grief. John Beam was known not only for his coaching but also for his appearances in the Netflix series “Last Chance U,” making his death a deeply felt loss for the community. The student reporters from Peralta Citizen were poised to cover this unfolding tragedy, actively engaging with the story that hit so close to home.

As the situation develops, all eyes are on the Oakland Police Department and their alleged restrictions on press access. The ongoing conversation about press freedom and the rights of journalists to report news without hindrance remains urgent and critical, especially in light of recent events.

For now, Gonzalez-Zaragoza and her fellow reporters face an uphill battle for access to information that affects their community. The call to action from First Amendment advocates emphasizes the need for immediate reform to ensure that all journalists, regardless of their affiliations, can report freely on issues that matter to the public.

As the investigation into John Beam’s tragic death continues, reporters are determined to follow the story, seeking justice and transparency in a community grieving a significant loss. The implications of this incident extend beyond local journalism and touch on fundamental rights that resonate with journalists and citizens alike.