Stockton shooting at family gathering leaves four dead, ten injured

Four people, including both children and adults, were killed and 10 others wounded after a shooting erupted during a family gathering at a local banquet hall on Saturday evening, according to the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office.

The incident occurred just before 6 p.m. inside the hall, which is located in a commercial complex shared with several other businesses. Stockton, a city of roughly 320,000 residents, lies about 64 kilometres south of Sacramento.

Sheriff’s spokesperson Heather Brent said that early evidence indicates the attack “may have been a targeted incident,” though a motive is still being worked to be determined by investigators. The suspected shooter is still being sought and has not yet been located.

The public was urged by local authorities to come forward with any information that might help in identifying the gunman. “If any information is held regarding this individual, it should be provided immediately. If this individual is you, you are urged to turn yourself in at once,” was said by San Joaquin County District Attorney Ron Freitas during a press briefing.

Several of the wounded victims were transported to nearby hospitals, though officials did not immediately release details on their conditions.

The violence was condemned by Stockton Mayor Christina Fugazzi, with emphasis placed on the tragic disruption of what should have been a joyful family occasion. “Families should be together instead of the hospital being where they are found, standing next to their loved one while prayers are made that survival is achieved,” was said by her.

The investigation is ongoing, with detectives continuing to interview witnesses and review evidence from the scene. Authorities have not released further details about the victims or potential suspects.