Four people were killed and ten others injured when gunmen opened fire during a family gathering inside a banquet hall in Stockton, Northern California, on Sunday, an attack investigators believe may have been targeted.
ATTACK INSIDE PACKED BANQUET HALL
The shooting erupted during a child’s birthday party at a hall located in a commercial complex on Lucile Avenue, about 50 miles east of San Francisco. According to the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office, around 14 people were struck by gunfire. Families, including several children, were inside when the assailants entered and opened fire.
Heather Brent, spokesperson for the sheriff’s office, said both children and adults were among the victims. Several injured people were rushed to hospitals, though officials have not released updates on their conditions.
Emergency crews and multiple law-enforcement agencies swarmed the scene, with videos posted online showing responders treating victims in the parking area.
TARGETED STRIKE SUSPECTED
Detectives said early indications suggest the attack may have been targeted rather than random. Witnesses described panic inside the hall as shots rang out, sending families scrambling for cover.
Investigators worked through the night, gathering evidence and interviewing attendees. Stockton’s vice mayor, Jason Lee, said he was in touch with officials and “pushing for answers” about what unfolded during the celebration.
INVESTIGATION IN EARLY STAGES
The sheriff’s office said information remains limited as detectives work to identify a motive. No arrests have been announced, and authorities have not confirmed how many shooters were involved.
The area remained sealed off overnight, with officers urging anyone with footage or information to contact the sheriff’s office. “We are working to determine the circumstances leading up to this tragedy,” officials said.
California governor Gavin Newsom has been briefed on the shooting, his office confirmed.
