In brief
In a heartbreaking incident, four individuals lost their lives and ten others were injured during a shooting at a family gathering in Stockton, California. Authorities suspect that the shooting may have been a targeted act, and they are actively seeking information from the public. The local community is in mourning as families grapple with the aftermath of this tragic event, which occurred at a banquet hall just before 6 p.m.
STOCKTON, Calif. (AP) — Four people were killed and ten wounded in a shooting during a family gathering at a banquet hall in Stockton, sheriff’s officials reported Saturday. The victims included both children and adults, according to Heather Brent, a spokesperson for the San Joaquin County sheriff’s office. Early indications “suggest this may have been a targeted incident,” Brent stated during a news conference held at the scene.Local officials emphasized that the suspected shooter remains at large and urged the public for assistance. Detectives are actively investigating to identify a potential motive behind the attack. “If you have any information regarding this individual, please reach out immediately. If you are the individual involved, turn yourself in without delay,” San Joaquin County District Attorney Ron Freitas appealed during a press briefing.The tragic incident occurred just before 6 p.m. inside the banquet venue, which shares a parking lot with various other local businesses. Stockton, a city with a population of around 320,000, is located approximately 40 miles (64 kilometers) south of Sacramento.“Families should be together instead of at the hospital, standing next to their loved one, praying that they survive,” expressed Mayor Christina Fugazzi, emphasizing the community's grief.While authorities have not provided comprehensive updates on the conditions of the victims, several were rushed to nearby hospitals for treatment.
