Oakland, CA – May 12, 2025 In the early hours of Sunday morning, a violent shooting incident shook downtown Oakland, leaving three individuals injured and the local community on edge. The incident unfolded just after 1:00 a.m. at the intersection of Telegraph Avenue and 19th Street—a normally vibrant area known for its nightlife, restaurants, and diverse late-night crowd.
According to initial reports from the Oakland Police Department (OPD), gunfire erupted amid a group of people congregated near the busy intersection. Emergency responders were quickly dispatched to the scene following multiple 911 calls from concerned witnesses. Upon arrival, officers found three victims suffering from gunshot wounds. The injured individuals were transported to a nearby hospital, where they are currently receiving medical care. Their conditions have not been publicly disclosed, but all three are expected to survive.
The scene was immediately cordoned off as OPD investigators began collecting evidence and interviewing witnesses. The circumstances leading up to the shooting remain unclear, and authorities have not yet identified any suspects or motives. Detectives are reviewing surveillance footage from nearby businesses and traffic cameras, hoping to piece together a clearer picture of the events leading to the outbreak of violence.
“We know this area is busy at that hour with both pedestrians and vehicles,” said OPD spokesperson Sgt. Daniel Vega during a brief press conference on Sunday morning. “We are asking anyone who may have seen or heard something, or who has cell phone footage, to come forward and help us with our investigation.”
The incident has rattled local residents and business owners, many of whom are still recovering from previous episodes of violence that have occasionally punctuated Oakland’s urban landscape. Telegraph Avenue and 19th Street is a well-known intersection, situated near several popular late-night venues, and is typically filled with people enjoying Oakland’s dynamic cultural scene.
“I was walking back to my car when I heard what sounded like fireworks,” said Jenna Reyes, a barista who had just finished a late shift nearby. “Then I saw people running and someone yelling for help. It was terrifying.”
Community leaders have also expressed concern, noting that such violent outbursts not only endanger lives but also threaten the sense of safety and community in the heart of Oakland.
“This kind of violence cannot become normalized,” said Councilmember Loren Taylor. “We need to come together as a city to address the root causes of these incidents—whether it’s lack of opportunity, access to resources, or something else—and work toward long-term solutions that ensure public safety.”
The OPD has increased patrols in the area in the days following the shooting and is working closely with community organizations to provide support for those affected. No arrests have been made at this time, and the investigation remains active and ongoing.
Anyone with information about the incident is urged to contact the Oakland Police Department’s Homicide Section or submit tips anonymously through the department’s tip line or online portal.
As the investigation continues, the city of Oakland finds itself once again grappling with the challenges of urban violence—and the pressing need to find a path forward that balances public safety with community trust and resilience.