Four killed and 11 wounded in shooting at child’s party in California, officials say | California
Four people died and 11 were injured after a shooting at a family reunion in Northern California Saturday evening, police said.
The deceased victims, aged eight to 21, were transported to local hospitals, said Heather Brent, a spokeswoman for the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office. “What we confirmed at that time was that there was a banquet hall where a family was celebrating.”
The San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office said on social media that “approximately 14 people were struck by gunfire and four victims were confirmed deceased,” adding that information about the shooting was limited.
The sheriff’s office said detectives were “working to determine the circumstances leading to this tragedy.”
“Initial indications suggest this may have been a targeted incident, and investigators are exploring all possibilities,” the statement said.
The shooting happened at a child’s birthday party, Stockton Deputy Mayor Jason Lee said in a Facebook post.
“I am in contact with public safety staff and officials to understand exactly what happened, and I will push for answers,” he said.
Police said they received reports shortly before 6 p.m. of a shooting near the 1900 block of Lucile Avenue in Stockton, about 50 miles east of San Francisco.
The shooting happened inside the banquet hall, which shares a parking lot with other businesses.
Authorities did not immediately provide additional information about the victims’ living conditions. Authorities said earlier that several were taken to hospitals.
“We urge anyone with information, video footage, or who witnessed any part of this incident to contact the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office immediately,” police said.
California Governor Gavin Newsom was informed of the shooting, his office said in a social media post.
“It’s Thanksgiving weekend. It’s a time for families to come together, to celebrate, to share memories, to give each other love,” said Mayor Christina Fugazi. “Unfortunately tonight, heaven is a little bigger with the individuals, children and adults who unfortunately did not make it.”
