4 killed, 10 injured in shooting at children’s birthday party
Police say 14 people were shot at a family gathering in Stockton, Northern California, killing four.
At least four people were killed and 10 others were injured in a shooting at a family party in Stockton, California, on November 29, local police said.
The San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office said gunfire erupted inside a banquet hall where a family had gathered to celebrate a child’s birthday party in California’s Central Valley.
Several of the 14 victims, including children and adults, were taken to local hospitals. Four people were confirmed dead. Sheriff’s Office spokeswoman Heather Brent said early indications suggest the shooting may have been a “targeted incident.” Police are still searching for the shooting suspect.
Here’s what we know so far:
what happened?
Brent told USA TODAY that as of 9 a.m. ET on Nov. 30, the sheriff’s office had limited information about the shooting.
Police received a report of a shooting at a banquet hall on Nov. 29 just before 6 p.m. The shooting occurred during a child’s birthday party, Brent said. The incident occurred at a shopping mall complex that includes a Dairy Queen, a donut shop and an Asian restaurant.
San Joaquin District Attorney Ron Freetas said at a Nov. 29 press conference shortly after the incident that the suspect remains at large. Authorities asked anyone with information to contact the sheriff’s office.
“This is a very active and ongoing investigation,” Brent said at a news conference.
How did officials react?
Gov. Gavin Newsom’s office released a statement on social media hours after the shooting, calling it a “horrifying” incident. The governor said he is monitoring the situation and coordinating with local authorities.
Stockton is about 45 minutes south of the state capital, Sacramento, where Newsom lives. The city has a population of approximately 320,000 people, according to the latest census data.
Mayor Cristina Fugazi called the shooting “unacceptable” at a news conference.
“Today is Thanksgiving weekend, a time for families to come together, celebrate, share memories and give love to each other,” she said. “Heaven just got a little bit bigger tonight thanks to all the children and adults who unfortunately couldn’t make it.”
