A mass shooting at a child's birthday party in northern California has left at least four people dead and multiple others injured, in what authorities are describing as a likely targeted attack.
A Scene of Chaos
The San Joaquin County sheriff's office confirmed that four people were killed after 14 individuals were shot during a family gathering on Saturday evening. The incident occurred shortly before 6pm near the 1900 block of Lucile Avenue in the city of Stockton, located approximately 50 miles east of San Francisco.
Heather Brent, a spokesperson for the sheriff's office, revealed that both children and adults were among the victims. The shooting took place inside a banquet hall that shares a parking lot with several other local businesses, turning a celebratory occasion into a scene of tragedy.
Investigation Underway
Law enforcement officials have indicated that early evidence suggests this may have been a targeted incident, though detectives are continuing their work to establish a definite motive. Stockton's vice mayor, Jason Lee, identified the gathering as a child's birthday party in a statement posted on Facebook.
"I am in contact with staff and public safety officials to understand exactly what happened, and I will be pushing for answers," Lee wrote, expressing the community's shock and demand for information.
Community in Mourning
Authorities have not yet released additional information regarding the conditions of the surviving victims, though officials confirmed earlier that several people were transported to hospital for emergency treatment. First responders arrived swiftly at the scene to attend to the wounded and secure the area.
The community of Stockton now faces the aftermath of this devastating violence, with families grieving and seeking answers about the attack that shattered what should have been a joyful celebration of a child's birthday.
