Oakland, John Beam Tragically Shot Inside Laney College Fieldhouse Leaves Community Shaken Deeply
Oakland, John Beam, 66, spent Thursday fighting for his life at Highland Hospital after being shot multiple times inside the Laney College fieldhouse. By Friday morning at 10 a.m., Beam succumbed to his injuries, leaving family, friends, colleagues, and the wider Oakland community in profound grief. The shooting was not random—police confirm that Beam and the suspect, Cedric Irving Jr., 27, knew each other, though they were not close. Authorities say Irving arrived at the college just before noon Thursday “for a specific reason,” indicating a premeditated act.
Cedric Irving Jr. was arrested early Friday at the San Leandro BART station with what police believe was the murder weapon—a privately manufactured ghost gun without a serial number. Police describe this as a type of firearm designed to be untraceable, heightening concerns about safety on campuses and in the community. While authorities have not publicly explained the motive, they are continuing to investigate the circumstances, examining communications, relationships, and actions leading up to the attack.
John Beam’s passing has reverberated far beyond Laney College. His family describes him as a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, coach, mentor, and friend—a man who occupied countless roles in the lives of those around him. Beam joined Laney College in 2004, becoming head football coach in 2012. Under his leadership, the program flourished, winning a state championship in 2018. He transformed the team into more than a sports program, mentoring hundreds of students who might otherwise have fallen through the cracks. Over 20 of his players advanced to the NFL, but his impact went far deeper: he gave countless young men hope, direction, and guidance, refusing to give up on them even when they gave up on themselves.
Beam gained national recognition for his work through Netflix’s Last Chance U, which documented his tireless commitment to students who had been abandoned or overlooked by the system. His dedication earned the admiration of both peers and the wider public. Piedmont Police Chief Frederick Shavies, who grew up admiring Beam, described him as a father figure to thousands, someone who offered guidance, discipline, and care when it was most needed. Beam’s sudden death has left the community grappling with the senselessness of a life dedicated to service being ended violently.
In the wake of Beam’s passing, Oakland residents, students, and former athletes are calling for justice and answers, demanding clarity about the circumstances that allowed someone to target a man whose life was devoted to keeping others safe and on track. Vigils and memorials are being planned, reflecting the widespread affection and respect Beam earned throughout his career. The college community, along with the city at large, is mourning a man whose influence extended far beyond football, whose life was a lifeline for so many, and whose absence now leaves a deep void in Oakland’s conscience.