A shooting incident occurred at a banquet hall in Stockton, California on Saturday evening, November 29, resulting in 4 deaths and 10 injuries. The incident took place during a family gathering. Many of the injured have been taken to hospitals, and the extent of their injuries is not yet clear.
The San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office stated that law enforcement responded to the shooting report near 1900 Lucile Avenue before 6 p.m. Children and adults were among those shot. Initial indications suggest that this may have been a “targeted” shooting incident.
Authorities are still investigating the motive behind the crime. The shooter is still at large.
District Attorney Ron Freitas stated in a press conference, “We are doing everything in our power to bring this suspect to justice. If you have any information about this suspect, please contact us immediately; if you are the suspect, please surrender yourself.”
Stockton is a city in Northern California with a population of approximately 320,000, located about 40 miles (64 kilometers) from the state capital, Sacramento. The banquet hall shares a parking lot with other businesses. Local officials stated that a children’s birthday party was taking place at the time of the shooting.
Stockton Mayor Christina Fugazzi expressed, “Families should be coming together joyfully, not sitting in hospitals with injured loved ones, hoping for their survival.”
Vice Mayor Jason Lee remarked, “To hear about a mass shooting taking place at a children’s birthday party, I am shocked and outraged. An ice cream parlor should not be a place where families fear for their lives.”
California Governor Gavin Newsom has been briefed on the situation, and the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services is coordinating with local law enforcement for response.
(This article referenced reports from the Associated Press and Fox News)