Four people have been killed and 10 others injured after a gunman opened fire during a child’s birthday party in Stockton, California.
The attack happened around 6pm on Saturday inside a banquet hall in the city, located in California’s Central Valley.
Heather Brent, spokesperson for the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office, confirmed that children were among the victims. She said the shooting “may have been a targeted incident,” although investigators have not established a motive.
Jason Lee, vice mayor of Stockton, described the attack as heartbreaking, noting that a child’s birthday should never become a scene of fear and tragedy.
“A birthday party should never be a place where families fear for their lives,” Lee said. “Violence touched my life as a young person, and seeing our children, parents, and neighbours go through this is deeply painful.”
Local authorities said the shooter fled the scene and remains at large. The San Joaquin County district attorney, Ron Freitas, urged the suspect to surrender.
“If you know this individual, contact us immediately. And if you are this individual, turn yourself in now,” he said.
Christina Fugazi, mayor of Stockton, said the city has mobilised all necessary resources to support hospitals treating the injured victims.
“As mayor, I am ensuring every needed resource is available,” Fugazi said. “Families should be celebrating together — not standing in hospital corridors praying for survival.”
Police investigations are ongoing, and officers are appealing to the public for information that could lead to the arrest of the shooter.