Student Journalist Ejected from OPD Press Conference on Tragedy

BREAKING: Tensions erupted at an Oakland Police Department (OPD) press conference on November 14, 2025, when student journalist Nelzy Gonzalez-Zaragoza was forcibly removed while attempting to cover the tragic shooting of beloved Laney College coach John Beam. The incident raises urgent concerns over press freedom and transparency in the wake of a community tragedy.

Just hours before the press event, Gonzalez-Zaragoza, an associate editor for the Peralta Citizen, was denied entry because she lacked a police-issued press credential. This controversial policy has faced growing criticism from journalists, especially in high-stakes situations like the one involving Beam, who was fatally shot on campus less than 24 hours prior.

“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 expressed, highlighting the emotional weight of covering a story that struck close to home for many. The OPD’s requirement for press credentials has been a contentious topic among reporters since its enforcement three years ago.

Following Gonzalez-Zaragoza’s ejection, prominent First Amendment advocates swiftly condemned the OPD’s actions. They sent a letter to police officials and Mayor Barbara Lee, stating that the policy “interferes with the ability of the press to keep the public informed, threatens press independence, and harms the community’s access to diverse news sources.”

In a stark example of the policy’s implications, journalists from The Oaklandside and San Francisco Chronicle were also barred from the press conference. Others were only granted access after agreeing to apply for OPD credentials on the spot. Critics argue that these restrictions serve no legitimate purpose, as there were no security threats or space limitations justifying such barriers to entry.

“OPD interfered with journalists’ ability to do their jobs for no reason,”

the letter from the First Amendment Coalition and other organizations stated. They are demanding an immediate end to the press credential requirement, which differs significantly from practices at other local government events.

Despite the backlash, OPD Assistant Chief James Beere defended the policy, citing safety concerns surrounding public figures in light of recent national and local incidents. “The Oakland Police Department’s media credential policy is a necessary security measure, not an infringement on First Amendment rights,” he asserted.

As the community mourns the loss of John Beam, a figure recognized nationally through Netflix’s “Last Chance U,” the students at Laney College are committed to uncovering the truth behind his tragic death. They have been actively reporting on the incident, even while the campus remained on lockdown following the shooting.

Gonzalez-Zaragoza and her fellow reporters were poised to cover critical developments, including updates about the suspect, Cedric Irving Jr., who has since been taken into custody. However, the restrictions placed on them have raised questions about the broader implications for journalism in Oakland.

The press credential requirement has been a contentious issue, especially since it was implemented without clear justification. Journalists have previously accessed OPD events without such barriers until a sweeping policy change was announced in December 2022.

As the situation develops, community members and advocates are watching closely. The evolution of this story is vital not only for the grieving families but also for the future of press freedom in Oakland. Will OPD reconsider its policies in light of public outcry? Only time will tell.

For now, the students at the Peralta Citizen are determined to continue their reporting, undeterred by the barriers they face. Their commitment to covering this crucial story reflects the importance of diverse voices in journalism, especially in the wake of such a tragic loss.