FUN AND GAMES IN OAKLAND

The usual dissention within the African-American community of that cesspool of crime known as Oakland.

BOY, 1, SHOT ‘IN THEHEAD’ AND SEVEN OTHER PEOPLE INJURED IN HAIL OF GUNFIRE AS GROUP FILMED RAP VIDEO
Baby undergoes life-saving surgery as police hunt an estimated six shooters

By Simon Tomlinson

Mail Online
November 29, 2011

A one-year-old boy is undergoing surgery after he was shot in a hail of gunfire which also injured seven other people along a California street.

Hiram Lawrence was apparently shot in the head when an estimated six gunmen targeted a group filming a rap video in Oakland yesterday.

He was in a critical condition and needed an emergency operation to relieve swelling on his brain, relatives said.

He had been driven to the city's Children's Hospital by his father, who also suffered a gunshot wound, it was reported on KTVU-TV.

Oakland Police Lieutenant Robert Chan said: 'We are aware of a one-year-old boy who was shot - possibly in the head - in critical condition right now.'

The others had also been taken to nearby hospitals by people on the scene before officers arrived.

All were suffering from gunshot wounds and four were in a serious condition, authorities said.

Witnesses say 20-30 people had gathered at in the city's West Oakland neighbourhood to film a rap music video at around 6pm when the suspects opened fire with automatic weapons.

Three from the targeted group are then thought to have fired back.

Investigators found dozens of bullet casings near a parking lot close to the Nimitz Freeway and the U.S. Post Office, which suggested at least six gunmen were involved.

Police reported finding blood on the street and later established the incident started when dozens of people gathered in a liquor store parking lot, drinking and shooting a music video just after dark.

The gunshots shattered a window at a Chinese restaurant across the street and the three customers inside had to run with the staff into the kitchen escape the gunfire.

Family of the boy who gathered outside the city's Children's Hospital expressed anger and sadness as they waited to hear news of his recovery.

There was a heavy police presence at the hospital last night as officers monitored those arriving and leaving.

His cousin, Ailisha Rashard, told KTVU-TV: 'I've got faith in God. He's a strong little boy so he'll be alright.'

Some of those injured arrived in a van covered with ads for Oakland-based rapper Kafani, who was not believed to have been shot.

Investigators searched the van for evidence.

A surveillance camera mounted on the liquor store captured the entire incident, which will help police identify suspects and vehicles, it was reported.

The police lieutenant in charge said progress was being made on determining a possible motive in the case, although no information on suspects has been made available so far.