Incident Involving U-Haul Truck at Coast Guard Island
Late Thursday, a dramatic scene unfolded at Coast Guard Island in Alameda when a U.S. Coast Guard trooper fired at a U-Haul truck. This happened after the truck’s driver backed up aggressively toward the officer at a security checkpoint.
Coast Guard Island, strategically located between Oakland and Alameda, serves as a command center and hosts several operational units. Following the incident, the base was briefly locked down but reopened Friday morning.
Footage from the scene shows a standoff on the bridge leading to the island. Officers were stationed at the entrance amid widespread protests against President Trump and federal immigration policies.
The confrontation arose as officials prepared for an expanded immigration operation in the Bay Area. Protesters—angry about Trump’s crackdown on crime in San Francisco—attempted to obstruct access to the island by blocking the bridge.
As the U-Haul entered a restricted area around 10 p.m., base personnel instructed the driver to halt. Ignoring the commands, the driver reversed toward the gate, prompting security to open fire.
The Coast Guard stated, “Law enforcement officers fired several live rounds when the vehicle’s actions posed a direct threat to the safety of Coast Guard and personnel.”
The driver, who remains unidentified, was subsequently taken to a local hospital with a gunshot wound. A bystander also incurred minor injuries from debris and received treatment.
Interestingly, the Coast Guard confirmed that no one was seriously harmed during the incident.
Witnesses reported that the driver accelerated towards the officers, which led to shots being fired—around 20 to 30, according to a local photographer. The driver reportedly parked after the shots and exited the vehicle, seemingly unscathed.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) later revealed that, although two civilians were injured, they are expected to recover. The driver is undergoing a mental health evaluation, while the bystander who was hit by shrapnel was treated and released.
The DHS further specified that the FBI is not overseeing the investigation related to this incident.
Protests had erupted in response to President Trump’s designation of Coast Guard Island as a stronghold and the proposed deployment of federal troops to the city. However, Trump indicated that he would postpone the decision following discussions with San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie.
“I spoke to Mayor Lurie last night, and he politely asked for a chance to address the situation. I expressed my belief that it could be handled more quickly,” Trump commented on social media.
