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Four people – including an 8-year-old child – were killed, and 11 others were wounded Saturday evening when gunfire erupted during a family gathering in Stockton, California, according to officials.
The San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office said Sunday that 15 people in total suffered gunshot wounds and confirmed the victims who died were 8, 9, 14, and 21 years old. Detectives remained at the scene processing evidence with support from the California Department of Justice.
Deputies first responded shortly before 6 p.m. to reports of gunfire at the location, and early indications “suggest this may have been a targeted incident,” a spokesperson for the sheriff’s office said, adding that the suspect remains at large.
“We are doing everything possible to bring the individual that’s responsible for this to justice,” San Joaquin County District Attorney Ron Freitas said.
MULTIPLE VICTIMS WITH GUNSHOT WOUNDS AT VALLEY FAIR MALL IN CALIFORNIA ON BLACK FRIDAY: POLICE
Detectives continue working to determine a possible motive.
The shooting happened during a family gathering inside a banquet hall. Multiple people were taken to hospitals, but their conditions are unclear. The incident remains under investigation with the FBI probing the shooting.
Authorities said tips, video and witness accounts from the community are helping detectives move toward identifying and locating the individuals responsible for what the sheriff’s office called a “horrific act.”
MASS SHOOTING AT STOCKTON, CALIFORNIA, BANQUET HALL LEAVES 4 DEAD, 10 WOUNDED
Officials urged anyone with additional information or footage to contact investigators immediately, saying community cooperation remains critical.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom has been briefed on the situation. The governor’s Office of Emergency Services is coordinating with local law enforcement.
The sheriff’s office thanked allied agencies for their support, including the Manteca Police Department, Stockton Police Department, Tracy Police Department, Lathrop Police Department, Delta Police Department, DAI, ATF, Stockton Unified School District Police, the California Highway Patrol, the California Department of Justice, and the FBI.
“Our thoughts are with the victims, their families, and everyone impacted by this senseless violence,” the sheriff’s office added.
Stockton Vice Mayor Jason Lee said he is devastated and angry to learn about the mass shooting at a child’s birthday party, adding that an ice cream shop “should never be a place where families fear for their lives.”
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The investigation into the matter remains ongoing.
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