Police in California are searching for suspects after a shooting at a family gathering in Stockton left four people dead, including three children, and wounded 11 others. The attack occurred just before 6pm on Saturday inside a banquet hall where at least 100 people had gathered for a birthday celebration.
The victims who died were aged eight, nine, 14 and 21, according to Heather Brent, a spokesperson for the San Joaquin County Sheriff's Office. She said investigators believe the shooting was a targeted incident, though she did not elaborate on why or who might have been the intended target.
Sheriff Patrick Withrow said at a news conference on Sunday that officers were searching for several suspects and that there appeared to have been multiple shooters. He confirmed that at least one of the injured was in critical condition. Local news station KCRA 3 reported that three adults were stable in hospital.
Authorities have appealed for public help, asking anyone with surveillance footage, local businesses, or anyone who may have heard rumours to contact the sheriff's office. District attorney Ron Freitas urged the shooter to “turn yourself in immediately”.
Faith leaders in the Stockton area were planning an afternoon vigil to honour those who died and pray for the wounded. California Governor Gavin Newsom said in a social media post that he had been briefed on the shooting and that “our hearts break for their families and the entire Stockton community”.
