Children among four killed in horror mass shooting at birthday party in ‘targeted attack’ with gunman on the loose
Children were among the four people shot dead in a horrific attack during a birthday party.
The attack took place around 18:00 on Saturday night in a banquet hall in Stockton, California.
“This type of tragedy is unthinkable, and the loss of life and the loss of children’s lives absolutely breaks our hearts,” San Joaquin County District Attorney Ron Freitas said.
Emotional footage from the scene showed groups of people hugging each other as police rushed to the area.
San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office spokeswoman Heather Brent called the attack ‘incomprehensible’ and said: ‘Early indications are that this may have been a targeted incident.’
An urgent manhunt was launched to find the escaped suspect.
Brent added: ‘Our number one priority is to identify the suspect.
‘This is a very active and ongoing investigation, information remains very limited at this time.’
It was stated that the injured were taken to hospitals in the region.
Stockton Mayor Christina Fugazi addressed the media at the scene. In a statement on social media, he said: ‘Our first responders mobilized quickly, securing many scenes and providing emergency medical assistance. Their professionalism reflects the best of our city.
At least four people were killed and ten injured in a shooting in Stockton, California.
The horrific shooting occurred at a children’s birthday party held in a banquet hall.
Map shows location of attack in which at least four people died
‘As mayor, I ensure that every necessary resource is available and that our city supports this effort at every level. ‘Our focus at this time must remain on the safety of the victims, their families and the community.’
Fugazi met with California Governor Newsom about the incident.
The press office tweeted Saturday night: ‘The Governor’s Emergency Services is monitoring this evolving situation and coordinating with local law enforcement.’
Videos shared on social media showed a massive response from emergency services near Dairy Queen.
The city’s Deputy Mayor Jason Lee also wrote on Facebook to express his dismay:: ‘Violence touched my life in my youth and it shakes me deeply to see our own children, parents and neighbors go through this.
‘Stockton is my home. These are our families. This is our community.
‘Our community deserves to know the truth, and the families affected deserve justice and every resource to support them.’
Lee said he was in contact with public safety officials and would “press for answers.”
The community expressed dismay at the incident and Gavin Newsom’s office said it was monitoring the situation
The shooting took place near the Dairy Queen seen in the background of this photo.
People expressed their horror and pain at the night’s events by commenting on Lee’s post.
‘Stockton desperately needs change. This breaks my heart,’ said one Facebook user.
Another added: ‘Take these guns off the streets, this is terrible. Babies are being shot.’
A third said: ‘I pray for everyone who does not deserve to experience and witness such horror, especially our babies.’
Authorities warned citizens to stay away from the area.
“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,” they wrote on social media.
‘Community outreach is vital to help us identify those responsible and bring justice to victims and their loved ones.’
Police taped off the area where the attack took place at 6pm on Saturday.
Several local agencies were at the scene, including Stockton Mayor Christina Fugazi (center left), the district attorney’s office and the sheriff’s office.
A representative from the sheriff’s office said the incident may have been a ‘targeted incident’
Police reported that the injured were taken to hospitals in the region.
Detectives are working to determine the cause of the incident.
Stockton is located in central California along the San Joaquin River. It is located approximately 45 miles south of Sacramento and has a population of 320,000.
