|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
Shots Fired Near Teenage Rowers During Major Regatta, No Injuries Reported
Oakland, California (Reuters) – A youth rowing competition in Oakland, California, was disrupted on Saturday when gunshots rang out near the venue, causing panic among participants and spectators but miraculously resulting in no injuries, according to witnesses and local authorities.
The incident occurred during the prestigious Oakland Invitational Regatta, an annual event held at Oakland’s Jack London Aquatic Center, which attracts top high school rowing teams from across the state. The gunfire erupted around 11 a.m. local time, just as the first races were getting underway on the waters of the Oakland Estuary.
We heard multiple loud pops that sounded like gunshots,
said Jessica Williams, a parent who was volunteering at the event.
People started screaming and ducking for cover. It was terrifying. [1]
Within minutes, Oakland Police officers swarmed the scene, securing the area and evacuating attendees to safety. Preliminary investigations suggest the gunshots originated from a nearby parking lot, where a confrontation between two groups of individuals escalated into violence. [2]
Participants and Families Left Shaken
For the young athletes and their families, the experience was deeply traumatizing.
These kids train so hard for these competitions,
said Rachel Thompson, whose 17-year-old son was competing.
To have their moment overshadowed by this senseless violence is heartbreaking. [3]
Alyssa Gonzalez, a 16-year-old rower from San Jose, described the chaos that ensued.
We were just about to start our race when we heard the shots,
she recounted.
Everyone started scrambling, and our coaches were yelling at us to get down. [4]
In the aftermath, many parents and coaches expressed frustration and anger over the incident, demanding stricter measures to prevent such occurrences at youth sporting events.
Calls for Increased Safety and Security Measures
The Oakland Invitational Regatta has been a beloved tradition in the Bay Area for over three decades, attracting thousands of spectators each year. However, this year’s event has cast a spotlight on the issue of gun violence and its impact on community events.
This is unacceptable,
Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao stated in a press conference.
Our children deserve to feel safe and protected, especially at events that celebrate their hard work and dedication. [5]
Thao announced that the city would be launching a comprehensive review of security protocols for major public gatherings, vowing to implement stricter measures to prevent future incidents.
The incident has also reignited broader debates surrounding gun violence prevention and the need for stronger legislation at both the state and federal levels.
As the investigation into the shooting continues, families and organizers are left grappling with the emotional toll of the traumatic event. The Oakland Invitational Regatta, once a joyous celebration of athletic excellence, now serves as a sobering reminder of the ongoing struggle to keep communities safe from the scourge of gun violence.
For More News Update Visit California News
