At least four people were killed and 10 others wounded when gunfire broke out during a child’s birthday celebration at a banquet hall in California, authorities said.
Around 6 p.m. local time on Saturday, Nov. 29, the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office (SJCSO) received reports that roughly 14 people had been shot on Lucile Avenue in Stockton, according to a news release shared on Facebook by the agency.
“Four victims have been confirmed deceased,” the SJCSO said in the statement. “This is a very active and ongoing investigation, and information remains limited. Early indications suggest this may be a targeted incident, and investigators are exploring all possibilities.”
Several of the injured were transported to nearby hospitals for treatment.
The shooting took place inside a banquet hall “where a family was celebrating,” SJCSO spokesperson Heather Brent said at a press conference, per ABC10.
Victims range in age from juveniles to adults. Authorities have not yet publicly released their names.
“Our number one priority right now is identifying the suspect in this incident,” Brent said. A possible motive has not been disclosed.
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The SJCSO is leading the investigation, with support from the Manteca Police Department, Stockton Police Department, the District Attorney’s office and the FBI.
“Detectives are actively working to determine the circumstances leading up to this tragedy. Our thoughts are with the victims, their families, and everyone impacted by this senseless violence,” the sheriff’s office said in its release. “We are urging anyone with information, video footage, or who may have witnessed any part of this incident to contact the SJCSO immediately.”
Stockton Mayor Christina Fugazi said in a statement on Instagram, “As Mayor, I am ensuring every necessary resource is available and that our city supports this effort at every level. Right now, our focus must remain on the victims, their families, and the safety of the community.”
“Please keep the victims, their loved ones, and our first responders in your prayers,” Fugazi added.
Vice Mayor Jason Lee echoed that sentiment in a statement shared on Facebook, writing, “A birthday party should never be a place where families fear for their lives. Violence touched my life as a young person, and seeing our own children, parents, and neighbors go through this shakes me deeply.
“Stockton is my home. These are our families. This is our community,” he continued, adding that he “will be pushing for answers.”
“Tonight, I’m sending my thoughts, prayers, and love to the families who are hurting, to the children who witnessed this trauma, and to everyone across our city who feels this pain,” Lee concluded. “Please God, uplift our community. We don’t deserve this. And we will not accept this as our norm.”
