James Johnson: Daughter collapses in front of California 7-Eleven store where her security guard father was killed during a robbery

OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA: In a heart-wrenching moment captured on video, the daughter of James Johnson, a security guard killed during a 7-Eleven robbery in Oakland, California, broke down in tears outside the convenience store where her father used to work, as per The Messenger. 

The tragic incident occurred on Friday night, December 8, at 2350 Harrison Street, just a block from Lake Merritt, marking the second killing at a 7-Eleven store in less than a week.

Who was James Johnson?

James Johnson, a 59-year-old security guard known for his protective nature, lost his life while trying to thwart a robbery just after 10 pm. His daughter, who goes by the name Snow, tearfully described her father as someone who would go to great lengths to protect those he cared about.

"He was protecting the family at 7-Eleven 'cause I know how my father is. He would do that for anyone he cared and loved," said Snow. As a two-year employee of the 7-Eleven, Johnson was well-regarded by both customers and the community.

Described as a "great and kind man," Johnson's tragic death has left a void in the neighborhood.

"He was a great man. He was a very great man. He was one of those guys who would give you anything if you needed anything," Snow claimed. "James is a good person. Good for the community, and this guy helped everybody and took care of everybody here," expressed Joseph Silva, a regular customer. 

Community alarmed as 7-Eleven crimes surge in Oakland

The frequency of criminal activities targeting 7-Eleven stores in Oakland has heightened community concerns. Snow, who lost her mother 10 months ago, is now left with few family members and is calling for justice for her father.

"She died four days before my birthday and I just found out from my little brother that my dad died," mourned Johnson's daughter. 

Despite having surveillance footage of the shooting, investigators have yet to make any arrests. The police, grappling with over 110 homicides in the city this year, face challenges in addressing the rising crime rates in Oakland.

"Oakland is dangerous right now. Things need to change," expressed Silva.

Internet reacts to James Johnson's tragic death

After the news of James Johnson's tragic death surfaced, netizens were quick to mourn the incident as well as comment on the current state of affairs related to the surge in crimes surrounding 7-Eleven. 

One wrote, "The weeping breaks my heart," while another added, "There is something seriously wrong with a city where Seven Elevens have armed guards."

A person expressed, "My heart breaks for her Crime in Oakland is out of control!"

"My [heart emoji] goes out to the slain guard’s family It really doesn’t need to be like this California. Vote out all those soft-on-crime Mayors and District Attorneys. Tell your California State representatives to REPEAL Prop 47. At some point, sooner than later, it will be a matter of personal and your family’s survival," noted someone else. 

An individual said, "Whole thing is just desperately sad...," with one more noting, "Wow. I hope and pray they find these murderers. Heartbreaking for the daughter."

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.