STOCKTON, Calif. — A joyful family celebration turned into a nightmare Saturday evening when a gunman opened fire at a child’s birthday party in Stockton, killing four people — including children — and wounding at least ten others. As of Sunday morning, the shooter (or shooters) remained at large, and authorities described the attack as likely targeted.
The shooting happened just before 6 p.m. at a banquet hall on the 1900 block of Lucile Avenue. San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Heather Brent told reporters that 14 people were struck by gunfire. Victims ranged from juveniles to adults. Four were pronounced dead, while ten others were rushed to local hospitals, including St. Joseph’s Medical Center, which briefly went on lockdown as a precaution.
Stockton Vice Mayor Jason Lee confirmed on social media that the gathering was a child’s birthday party. “A birthday party should never be a place where families fear for their lives,” he wrote. Stockton Mayor Christina Fugazi called the violence “unacceptable,” adding, “Families should be together instead of at the hospital, standing next to their loved one, praying that they survive.”
San Joaquin County District Attorney Ron Freitas condemned the attack, saying, “In this community… violence of this nature has absolutely no place at any time… and children should not be harmed by gun and gang violence.” He urged the responsible person or persons to turn themselves in.
Investigators believe the shooting was targeted, though a motive and suspect description have not been released. The FBI, Stockton Police Department, and Manteca Police Department are assisting the sheriff’s office. The scene remained an active crime scene Sunday morning, with Lucile Avenue closed to traffic.
Neighbors reported hearing rapid gunfire that lasted nearly a minute, followed by screams and calls for ambulances. Some said it sounded like more than one weapon was being fired.
California Governor Gavin Newsom was briefed on the “horrific shooting,” his office said. Several local and state lawmakers expressed grief and called for an end to gun violence. Former Stockton Mayor Michael Tubbs wrote that “gun violence is preventable” and urged the community to turn mourning into action.
The Youth Peace & Justice Foundation announced a reward of up to $5,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible. Authorities asked anyone with video, photos, or information to contact the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office immediately.
A community prayer vigil is scheduled for Sunday at 3 p.m. at 9299 Thornton Road, organized by Faith in the Valley.
As the investigation continues and families grieve, Stockton — a city that has seen a recent decline in homicides — is once again confronting the devastating impact of gun violence in a place where children should feel safest.