Netflix Star Critically Injured in Campus Shooting
John Beam starred in the Netflix series Last Chance U.That series featured Beam, a coach, helping athletes with "difficult pasts."
On November 13, Peralta Community College District confirmed that a "senior member of our athletic staff was shot on campus" around noon "in the Laney Field House." According to NBC News, that person was Beam, the athletic director of Laney College.
- The motive and suspect are not clear. “We’re currently asking the public’s help in locating a suspect, a potential suspect in this case,” Oakland Police Department Acting Chief James Beere told NBC.
- Beam was shot in the head, according to ABC 7. That station reported that police initially believed an active shooter was on campus, but no longer believe that was the case.
- "The Peralta Community College District wants to make you aware of an incident that occurred at Laney College earlier today," a news release confirmed on November 13.
Coach John Beam Was Immediately 'Transported to a Local Hospital'
"The individual was immediately transported to a local hospital, and we are keeping them—and their loved ones—in our hearts during this incredibly difficult time. Out of respect for their privacy, we are not releasing their name at this moment," the release says.
"Laney College was under active lockdown as law enforcement authorities secured the campus and investigated the situation," the release added. "Oakland Police Department has confirmed there's no longer an active threat and the campus lockdown has been lifted; however, the campus is closed for the rest of the day."
According to the release: "The safety of our students, faculty, and staff is our highest priority, and we are working closely with police and emergency personnel to ensure the campus remains protected. This is a frightening moment for our community."
The Mayor Called Coach John Beam a 'Giant in Oakland'
Mayor Barbara Lee confirmed the shooting on X, writing, "The last two days have been incredibly heavy for our city. My thoughts are with Coach John Beam and his loved ones. We are praying for him. Coach Beam is a giant in Oakland - a mentor, an educator, and a lifeline for thousands of young people."
She added: "For over 40 years, he has shaped leaders on and off the field, and our community is shaken alongside his family. This is the second shooting on an Oakland campus in two days, and it is devastating. Schools should be the safest spaces in our city. We need guns off our streets now. We are standing together, praying for Coach Beam and his loved ones."
Columnist Monte Poole wrote, "Very short is the list of people who have done as much to support young athletes in the Oakland area as Laney College athletics director/football coach John Beam. He has poured himself into the community for 4 decades. Hoping he survives this act of violence."
This is sad. He gave his whole life to the city of Oakland poured all his love into young men. All my friends that played football at Laney respected this guy so much. Rest up Beam! pic.twitter.com/x66TQgJzYp
— Joshua Calbert (@Josh_calbert) November 14, 2025
On Instagram, Beam describes himself as, "Last Chance U Season 5. 2018 CCCAA Football Coach of the Year. California (CCCAA) Football Champion. Bay Area Multi-Ethnic Hall of Famer. Husband. Father."
His last post was a tribute to veterans on Veterans Day. "Happy Veterans Day to all our veterans who have served and protected our Country. I want to especially thank my Dad for his service," he wrote.
On October 24, he wrote, "Thank you Franky Navarro Oakland CIF Commissioner and the State CIF Office for honoring me with this incredible distinguished service award for my 45 years of service to California high school athletics."