Oakland Police Bar Student Journalist from Crucial Press Conference

BREAKING: In a shocking turn of events, student journalist Nelzy Gonzalez-Zaragoza was forcibly removed from a police press conference on November 14, 2025, regarding the tragic shooting death of beloved Laney College coach John Beam. The Oakland Police Department (OPD) barred her from entry due to an alleged lack of a police-issued press credential, raising serious questions about press freedom in the community.

This incident comes just hours after Beam was fatally shot on campus, prompting an urgent need for accurate reporting in a grieving community. Gonzalez-Zaragoza, an associate editor for the Peralta Citizen, had her camera ready and was prepared to cover a story that has captured national attention. However, as media representatives gathered, she was stopped by OPD officials who enforced a controversial credential policy.

According to reports, Gonzalez-Zaragoza was not the only journalist affected. Reporters from The Oaklandside and the San Francisco Chronicle were also denied access. A photographer from the Bay Area News Group and another Citizen reporter were only allowed in after agreeing to apply for an OPD press credential on the spot.

“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 stated, emphasizing the detrimental impact on journalistic integrity and community awareness.

The First Amendment Coalition and other media advocacy groups swiftly responded, sending a letter to OPD officials and Mayor Barbara Lee. They argued that the press credential requirement “interferes with the ability of the press to keep the public informed” and undermines press independence. The advocates are calling for an “immediate” end to this policy, which contrasts starkly with media access protocols at Oakland City Hall and the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office, where no such requirements exist.

Assistant Chief James Beere, acting as interim police chief, defended the policy, stating that it was implemented as a necessary security measure. He highlighted the importance of knowing the identity of journalists accessing non-public areas, citing safety concerns stemming from recent incidents involving threats to public figures.

Gonzalez-Zaragoza and her team rushed to cover the aftermath of Beam’s shooting, a significant event for the local community. The students had already begun reporting, filing public records requests, and preparing to follow the story closely. Yet, their ability to report was obstructed by the OPD’s stringent credentialing process, which has faced criticism since its introduction three years ago.

As the situation unfolds, media representatives are determined to challenge the OPD’s restrictive measures. The letter from the First Amendment Coalition underscores the need for transparency and unfettered access to information, particularly during critical community events.

With the public demand for clarity and accountability in the face of this tragedy, the media’s role becomes even more crucial. The community is left wondering how their journalists can effectively report when faced with such barriers.

Looking ahead, the First Amendment Coalition and other advocates plan to escalate their efforts against the OPD’s credentialing policy. This incident has ignited a broader conversation about press rights and public access to information, emphasizing the need for media to operate freely in a democratic society.

Stay tuned for updates on this developing story as it continues to evolve and affect the community of Oakland.