Oakland Police Bar Student Journalist from Press Conference

UPDATE: In a shocking incident, the Oakland Police Department (OPD) barred student journalist Nelzy Gonzalez-Zaragoza from a press conference discussing the tragic death of beloved Laney College coach John Beam, who was fatally shot on campus just one day earlier. The incident unfolded on November 14, 2025, as Gonzalez-Zaragoza attempted to cover an event of significant community interest.

Gonzalez-Zaragoza, an associate editor for the Peralta Citizen, was denied entry because she lacked a police-issued press credential. This controversial requirement has raised serious concerns among reporters and First Amendment advocates, particularly during such critical news events. “It’s not fair that any reporter was kicked out,” she stated, emphasizing the importance of access to information for the public.

The situation escalated as First Amendment lawyers swiftly responded to Gonzalez-Zaragoza’s removal, sending a letter to OPD and Mayor Barbara Lee demanding an end to the policy, which they argue “interferes with the ability of the press to keep the public informed.” This letter highlighted that there were no security threats or valid reasons for the exclusion, which many view as an infringement on press freedoms.

In a statement, OPD Assistant Chief James Beere defended the credentialing policy as a necessary security measure, stating, “Knowing the identity of journalists accessing non-public areas within the Police Administration Building is vital for everyone’s safety.” However, the backlash indicates a growing discontent among media professionals and advocates for press freedom.

During the press conference, police confirmed that Beam had been pronounced dead earlier that day and that the suspect, Cedric Irving Jr., was in custody. This high-profile case has garnered national attention, particularly due to Beam’s recognition from the Netflix series “Last Chance U.”

The incident has raised questions about the OPD’s treatment of student journalists versus established media. Other journalists from major outlets faced similar access issues, with some only permitted entry after agreeing to apply for press credentials on the spot. “OPD interfered with journalists’ ability to do their jobs for no reason,” the letter from the advocacy groups declared.

This event is particularly significant for the Laney College community and the students, who are committed to reporting on this developing story. Gonzalez-Zaragoza and her peers had quickly mobilized to cover the news, with the college campus on lockdown just hours after the shooting. Despite their dedication, the incident highlights the challenges student journalists face in navigating press access.

As the fallout continues, media organizations are rallying around Gonzalez-Zaragoza, calling for an immediate reevaluation of OPD’s credentialing policy. The First Amendment Coalition and other advocacy groups are urging that press freedoms must not be compromised, especially during critical events that impact local communities.

The OPD’s credentialing policy remains in place, but the conversation surrounding press access and freedom of information is far from over. Journalists and advocates continue to push for transparency and equitable access to information for all media representatives, underscoring the essential role of a free press in informing the public.

As developments unfold, communities and media organizations alike will be watching closely to see how OPD responds to these calls for change in the coming days.