A child’s birthday celebration in Stockton, California, United States turned deadly on Saturday evening when a gunman stormed a banquet hall and opened fire, killing four people and injuring 10 others.
The incident occurred around 6pm in the Central Valley city, where families and children had gathered for the party. According to Heather Brent, spokesperson for the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office, several children are among the victims. She added that the shooting “may have been a targeted incident.”
Stockton’s vice mayor, Jason Lee, expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy, stressing that such violence has no place at family gatherings.
“A birthday party should never be a place where families fear for their lives,” Lee said. “Seeing our own children, parents and neighbours go through this shakes me deeply.”
Authorities confirmed that the shooter fled before officers arrived and has not been apprehended. A motive for the attack remains unclear.
San Joaquin County District Attorney, Ron Freitas, issued an urgent appeal to the public: “If you have any information about this individual, reach out immediately. If you are this individual, turn yourself in.”
Stockton Mayor Christina Fugazi said the city is fully mobilised to support the injured and assist ongoing investigations.
“I am ensuring every necessary resource is available,” she stated. “Our focus must be on the victims, their families, and the safety of our community. Families should be together celebrating, not standing in hospital corridors hoping their loved ones survive.”
Meanwhile, investigators continue to comb through evidence as the manhunt for the shooter intensifies.
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