Oakland police are investigating a deadly shooting that left two people dead and at least four others injured following a violent exchange of gunfire during a robbery attempt Wednesday evening. According to officials, the incident began just before 7:45 p.m. when multiple armed suspects entered a business on the 7100 block of International Boulevard. The confrontation quickly escalated, resulting in chaos, injuries, and fatalities.
The Oakland Police Department reported that its Communications Division received multiple emergency calls as soon as the gunfire began. Officers responded immediately to the scene, where they discovered several victims who had sustained gunshot wounds. One person was pronounced dead inside the business, while paramedics rushed five others to nearby hospitals. A second victim was later confirmed dead at the hospital, bringing the death toll to two.
Authorities said that preliminary findings show the suspects entered the store with weapons, intending to commit a robbery. An exchange of gunfire broke out between the armed group and the store’s employees. The store owner, who was armed, reportedly fired back at the suspects in an effort to defend himself and his business. Police confirmed that the store owner sustained injuries in the incident and was treated at a hospital, though his condition was not considered life threatening.
In total, five suspects were involved in the attempted robbery. During the shootout, two suspects were killed and three others were wounded. Those three were transported to the hospital and remain in stable condition under police watch. Authorities are continuing to gather details to determine exactly how the gunfire unfolded and what charges the surviving suspects may face once released from medical care.
The Oakland Police Department’s Homicide Division has taken over the investigation and is urging community members to come forward with any information that may help piece together the events of the night. Officials have provided contact numbers for tips, including the OPD Homicide Division at (510) 238-3821 and the tip line at (510) 238-7950. In addition, investigators are requesting that anyone with photos or video recordings of the incident send them directly to [email protected] to assist in the ongoing case.
The deadly incident underscores ongoing concerns about public safety and the rising number of violent confrontations in Oakland. Residents in the International Boulevard corridor have expressed increasing fears over criminal activity in recent years, and this latest episode has further shaken community confidence. Local leaders are expected to demand more resources and stronger enforcement measures in response to the shooting.
Police officials have also confirmed that a news conference will be held Thursday to provide updated information. The briefing is expected to include details about the suspects, the condition of the injured, and the next steps in the investigation. Community members and business owners in the area will be watching closely for answers, as many have been calling for additional protection and stronger policing strategies to safeguard their neighborhoods.
The exchange of gunfire in this attempted robbery highlights the dangerous situations small business owners face when crime strikes their establishments. While many are forced to increase security measures, including surveillance and alarms, incidents such as this show how rapidly violence can erupt when armed suspects target businesses. The fact that multiple individuals were injured, including both suspects and the store owner, illustrates the scale of the risk faced by all involved.
This event also raises broader questions about how communities can address the root causes of such violence. Many residents and advocates argue that socioeconomic pressures, lack of opportunities, and insufficient youth outreach programs contribute to the cycle of crime. Others point to the easy availability of firearms and the challenges of preventing armed confrontations in densely populated neighborhoods.
As the Oakland Police Department continues its investigation, the city remains on alert. Families of victims are grieving, and local businesses are considering what further steps they can take to protect themselves from similar incidents. For now, the community awaits answers and clarity from law enforcement, who must determine whether additional arrests will be made and how the surviving suspects will be prosecuted.
The tragedy serves as a reminder of the risks of armed crime and the lasting consequences it leaves behind. Two lives were lost, multiple others were changed forever, and a neighborhood was left shaken. While police continue their work, Oakland residents are left grappling with the aftermath of yet another violent episode in their community.
