California shooting: At least four people were killed and ten others were injured after someone opened fire at a banquet hall in Stockton, California, on Saturday evening, ABC News reported. The shooting took place around 6 pm on the 1900 block of Lucile Avenue, according to the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office.
Heather Brent, the public information officer for the sheriff’s office, said the shooting happened while families were gathered inside the hall for an event. “It is unfathomable that there are young children who are harmed, that there was anyone who was harmed in this, and our hearts go out to those victims, to their families and to our community,” Brent said.
4 killed, 10 injured in shooting at Stockton banquet hall
Brent told reporters that early information “suggests this may have been a targeted incident.” Detectives are now trying to understand what led to the shooting and who was responsible.
Stockton’s vice mayor, Jason Lee, said in a Facebook post that the shooting took place during a child’s birthday party. He added that he is coordinating with city staff and public safety officials to determine the exact circumstances of the incident. “I am in contact with staff and public safety officials to understand exactly what happened, and I will be pushing for answers,” Lee said.
Authorities refrained from sharing details about the conditions of those injured. According to the Guardian, several people were taken to the hospital for treatment.
The Governor’s Office posted on X that Gavin Newsom has been briefed on the horrific shooting in Stockton. The office added that the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services is closely monitoring the situation and coordinating with local law enforcement as the investigation continues.
Local officials said the suspected shooter has not yet been caught and urged the public to come forward with any information. Detectives are still investigating a possible motive. “If you have any information about this individual, please reach out immediately. And if you are this individual, turn yourself in without delay,” San Joaquin County District Attorney Ron Freitas said during a news conference.
FBI joins the probe
Police received calls just before 6 pm about gunfire near the 1900 block of Lucile Avenue in Stockton, around 50 miles east of San Francisco. The shooting took place inside a banquet hall that shares a parking lot with other businesses around.
Brent added that it was devastating to know young children were among the victims. “Our hearts go out to those victims, to their families and to our community,” she said. Multiple agencies, including the FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, have joined the investigation.
Speaking to reporters at the scene, Stockton Mayor Christina Fugazi stressed on the tragic timing of the shooting, which occurred just days after the Thanksgiving holiday. “Families should be together instead of at the hospital standing next to their loved one praying that they survive,” she said.
San Joaquin County District Attorney Ron Freitas called the tragedy “unthinkable” and said authorities are doing everything possible to bring the person responsible to justice.
Stockton, a city of about 320,000 residents in central California, is located roughly 45 miles south of Sacramento.
