Law enforcement in California has launched a major manhunt, vowing to track down the "animals" responsible for a deadly shooting at a children's birthday party that left four people dead and 14 others injured.
A Scene of Pandemonium
The attack occurred on Saturday evening at a banquet hall in Stockton, where around 100 to 150 people had gathered for a celebration. The party was for a two-year-old child. At approximately 6 p.m., gunfire erupted, with witnesses describing the sound of both a fully automatic weapon and handguns.
Priscilla Salas, who was nearby, told the LA Times she heard the shots before seeing ambulances race to the scene. "I saw the bodies of children being rushed out of the building," she said. Another neighbour recounted hearing distraught parents crying out for their children in the chaotic aftermath, unable to locate them.
Young Lives Cut Short
The victims of the Stockton shooting included three children and one young adult. They have been identified as an eight-year-old, a nine-year-old, a 14-year-old, and 21-year-old Susano Archuleta.
Emmanuel Lopez, brother of Archuleta, revealed his own nine-year-old daughter was shot in the head but survived. "I'm just upset right now. My brother died in my arms," Lopez said, describing his sibling as "full of life and energy."
During a press conference, Stockton Mayor Christina Fugazi emotionally reflected on the young victims. "They should be writing their Christmas lists right now," she said. "Their parents should be out shopping for them for Christmas. And to think that their lives are over... breaks my heart." Mayor Fugazi branded the attack an "act of terrorism."
Gang Link Suspected as Investigation Continues
San Joaquin County Sheriff Patrick Withrow was unequivocal in his condemnation at a Sunday briefing. "These animals walked in and shot children at a children's birthday party, and none of us should stand for that," he stated.
Sheriff Withrow confirmed that evidence suggests multiple shooters were involved and that the assault was targeted. "We're confident that this was not a random act," he said. "They walked into this area probably looking for someone in particular."
While investigations are ongoing, authorities suspect possible gang involvement. Five individuals, aged between 16 and 20, were arrested on weapons and gang charges seven miles south of the shooting location on Saturday evening, though their connection to the incident remains unclear.
The community gathered for a prayer vigil on Sunday evening, attended by around 150 people, to support the victims' families. California Governor Gavin Newsom's office confirmed he had been briefed and state emergency services are assisting local law enforcement.
