At least 4 killed, 14 injured in Stockton shooting at birthday party
The victims ranged in age from children to adults, according to a San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office report.
Fourteen people were shot and killed at a family gathering in Stockton, Northern California, on Saturday night, police said.
Stockton Deputy Mayor Jason Lee said in a Facebook post that the shooting occurred at a child’s birthday party.
“We are in contact with our officers and public safety officials to understand exactly what happened, and we will continue to seek answers.”
Police said they received a report of a shooting near the 1900 block of Lucille Avenue in Stockton just before 6 p.m. local time. Several victims were taken to local hospitals, according to a sheriff’s office report.
Four victims confirmed dead in shooting near Stockton
Sheriff’s Office spokeswoman Heather Brent said there is limited information they can share with the public about the shooting, but they can confirm that four people were killed.
The incident was reported in the building’s banquet hall, where a family was celebrating. During the celebration, gunshots erupted and 14 people were shot, four of them fatally. Brent said the victims ranged in age from “juveniles to adults.” Early signs suggest this may be a “targeted incident,” he said at a press conference Saturday night.
“This is a very active and ongoing investigation,” Brent said. “Information is very limited at this time.”
Detectives are asking anyone with information to contact the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office.
“Our priority at this point is to identify this suspect,” Brent said.
State officials release statement on San Joaquin County shooting
Gov. Gavin Newsom’s office released a statement on social media late Saturday night. The governor said he had been briefed on the “horrific shooting” in Stockton.
“The Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (@Cal_OES) is monitoring the development of this situation and working with local law enforcement,” Newsom said.
U.S. Rep. Josh Harder also posted on social media Saturday night.
“We are shocked by the news of the mass shooting in Stockton, and Pam and I are praying for the victims and their families. My office is closely monitoring this situation and is in close contact with local law enforcement.”
Deputy Mayor releases statement, vows to seek answers
Lee expressed his heartbreak and anger Saturday night following reports of a mass shooting in the city.
“My heart is heavy beyond words tonight,” Lee wrote on Facebook shortly after 7 p.m. “As the Deputy Mayor of Stockton and as someone who grew up in this area, I am devastated and outraged to learn of the shooting at a child’s birthday party. Ice cream parlors should not be places where families feel their lives are in danger.”
“Violence impacted my life at a young age. I am deeply shaken to see our own children, parents, and neighbors go through this. Stockton is my hometown. They are our family. This is our community,” he continued. “…Our community deserves to know the truth, and the families affected deserve justice and every resource available to support them.”
Details are still being confirmed and the filming location remains an active scene. Authorities are asking residents to avoid the area near Thornton Road, where the shooting occurred near Dairy Queen and other stores.
(This story has been updated to add new information.)
Reuters contributed to this report.
