A children's birthday party in California ended in tragedy after a mass shooting at a banquet hall left multiple people dead and wounded.
Active Investigation Underway
Police have confirmed that four people lost their lives and ten others were injured in the horrific incident. Officers were called to the scene near the 1900 block of Lucile Avenue in Stockton at approximately 6pm local time.
San Joaquin County District Attorney, Ron Freitas, has confirmed that children were among those killed. In a powerful statement, he vowed, “When this individual is caught, you have my promise that you will have the full force of my office’s resources in holding this individual fully accountable.”
He added, “Children should not be harmed by gun or gang violence.”
Police Appeal for Community Assistance
The San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office has stated that the investigation remains very active and ongoing. Early indications from investigators suggest this may have been a targeted incident.
Authorities are now urgently appealing to the public for help. Police have asked anyone with information, video footage, or who may have witnessed any part of the incident to contact the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office immediately.
“Community assistance is vital in helping us identify those responsible and bring justice to the victims and their loved ones,” a police statement read.
A Community in Mourning
This devastating attack has shaken the local community in Stockton. The fact that the shooting occurred at a birthday party, a place of celebration, has compounded the sense of horror and loss.
As detectives continue to work at the scene and explore all possibilities, a community is left grieving for the young lives tragically cut short and all those affected by this senseless act of violence.
