ALAMEDA, Calif. — Tensions escalated late Thursday night at a U.S. Coast Guard base in Alameda when officers opened fire on a reversing vehicle that entered the premises. The Coast Guard reported that the vehicle, which was believed to be a U-Haul truck, failed to comply with commands from security personnel.
The event transpired at about 10 p.m., following an earlier day of protests aimed at federal immigration agents. Witnesses reported that the demonstrators were advocating for the protection of immigrant communities with chants and signs displaying messages such as “Protect our neighbors” and “No ICE or troops in the Bay.”
According to a Coast Guard statement, as the vehicle posed a direct threat to personnel's safety, law enforcement personnel discharged several rounds, although luckily no injuries were reported. The driver managed to escape the scene.
The FBI has begun an investigation into the incident but did not provide immediate comments when prompted for additional information.
The incident's timing is particularly notable as it occurred shortly after President Trump announced the cancellation of a federal surge aimed at countering crime in San Francisco. Local leaders, including Mayor Daniel Lurie and California Governor Gavin Newsom, expressed their belief that such measures were unnecessary as crime rates have been declining.
Base Alameda, where the event occurred, serves as a crucial facility supporting Coast Guard operations on the West Coast. It is a restricted-access area, not open for public visits without prior authorization.
