Oakland Police Bar Student Journalist from Press Conference Following Tragedy

UPDATE: In a shocking turn of events, the Oakland Police Department (OPD) barred student journalist Nelzy Gonzalez-Zaragoza from attending a press conference on November 14, 2025, regarding the tragic death of beloved Laney College coach John Beam. The incident occurred just a day after Beam was fatally shot on campus, raising serious concerns about press access and First Amendment rights.

As Gonzalez-Zaragoza arrived at the press conference, camera in tow, OPD officials informed her that she could not enter because she lacked a police-issued press credential. This controversial requirement has sparked significant backlash from journalists and press advocates, highlighting ongoing tensions between the OPD and the media.

“This is a high-profile case, but I felt comfortable going in there … it’s not fair that any reporter was kicked out,” Gonzalez-Zaragoza, an associate editor for the Peralta Citizen, stated after her removal. The suppression of independent journalism was felt not just by her; reporters from The Oaklandside and the San Francisco Chronicle were also barred, while others were allowed only after agreeing to apply for credentials on the spot.

The First Amendment Coalition, along with other advocacy groups, has condemned this practice, asserting that it “interferes with the ability of the press to keep the public informed.” The letter sent to police officials and Mayor Barbara Lee emphasized that “there were no security threats, space limitations or other lawful justification” for excluding reporters.

Assistant Chief James Beere, who has been named interim police chief, defended the policy, stating that it is essential for safety and security during press events. In his response, he urged journalists to complete the credential application process, asserting that knowing the identities of those accessing non-public areas is vital for safety.

This incident comes amid heightened scrutiny of police practices and transparency, especially following the shocking killing of John Beam, a figure who gained national attention through Netflix’s “Last Chance U.” The community’s grief over this loss has intensified the demand for accurate and timely reporting.

Gonzalez-Zaragoza and her fellow Citizen reporters had quickly mobilized to cover the story, sending updates and filing public records requests just hours after the shooting. The immediate need for their voices in the community has never been more pressing.

Yet, the barriers imposed by the OPD have raised alarm bells among media professionals. Eleni Gastis, the faculty advisor for the Peralta Citizen, criticized the treatment of her students, stating,

“It wasn’t just a no… It was intended to be shameful and obstructive of the coverage of their campus.”

The journalists, who are deeply connected to their community, have been deterred from fulfilling their role as watchdogs.

With the ongoing controversy surrounding police access and transparency, the First Amendment organizations are calling for an immediate end to the credentialing policy. They argue that such restrictions undermine the press’s ability to serve the public effectively.

As the community mourns the loss of John Beam, the implications of this incident resonate far beyond Oakland. The struggle for press freedom and access to information continues to be a critical issue in maintaining a healthy democracy.

Next Steps: Journalists and press advocates are mobilizing to challenge the OPD’s policy. The situation remains fluid, and observers are watching closely for any changes in police protocol regarding media access. The community’s need for diverse news sources has never been more vital in these challenging times.

Stay tuned for further developments as this story unfolds.