Gunfire broke out during a child’s birthday party at a banquet hall in California, killing at least four people and injuring ten more.
On Saturday, Nov. 29, about 6 p.m. local time, the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office (SJCSO) received reports that around 14 persons had been shot on Lucile Avenue in Stockton, according to a news release issued on Facebook.
“Four victims have been confirmed deceased,” the SJCSO reported. “This is a very active and ongoing inquiry, therefore information is limited. Early indications suggest that this is a targeted incident, and authorities are looking into all possibilities.
Several wounded people were sent to local hospitals.
The incident took place in a banquet hall “where a family was celebrating,” SJCSO spokesperson Heather Brent told ABC10.
The gunshot victims’ ages range from child to adult. Their identities have not yet been revealed to the public.
“Our number one priority right now is identifying the suspect in this incident,” Brent said us.
The motive for the shooting has not been revealed at this time.
The SJCSO is conducting the investigation, with help from the Manteca Police Department, Stockton Police Department, District Attorney’s Office, and FBI.
“Detectives are aggressively investigating the circumstances leading up to this tragedy. “Our thoughts are with the victims, their families, and everyone affected by this senseless violence,” the SJCSO stated in a news release. “We are urging anyone with information, video footage, or who may have witnessed any part of this incident to contact the SJCSO immediately.”
Stockton Mayor Christina Fugazi stated in an Instagram post, “As Mayor, I am ensuring that every required resource is available and that our city supports this endeavor at all levels. Right now, our focus must be on the victims, their families, and the protection of the community.”
“Please keep the victims, their loved ones, and our first responders in your prayers,” Fugazi said.
In a Facebook post, Vice Mayor Jason Lee stated, “A birthday party should never be a place where families fear for their lives. Violence impacted my life as a young person, and witnessing our own children, parents, and neighbors go through it really disturbs me.
“Stockton is my home.” These are our families. “This is our community,” he stated, adding that he “will be pushing for answers.”
“Tonight, I’m sending my thoughts, prayers, and love to the families who are hurting, to the children who witnessed this trauma, and to everyone across our city who feels this pain,” Lee said afterwards. “Please, God, lift our community. We do not deserve this. “And we will not accept this as the norm.”
