Authorities say a family celebration at a banquet hall in Stockton, California turned deadly Saturday evening when gunfire left four people dead and ten others wounded. The shooting took place shortly before 6 p.m. along the 1900 block of Lucile Avenue, according to the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office. Stockton, a city of roughly 320,000 residents, is located about 45 miles south of Sacramento.
Spokesperson Heather Brent said guests had gathered for a family event when shots were fired, describing the attack as “unfathomable.” Officials confirmed that both children and adults were among the victims, though specific ages and conditions were not immediately released. Several of the wounded were taken to nearby hospitals, and one medical facility briefly went into precautionary lockdown following the incident.
While investigators have not identified a suspect, Brent said early evidence suggests the attack “may be a targeted incident,” adding, “Our No. 1 priority right now is identifying the suspect in this incident.” It remains unclear whether the gunfire came from inside or outside the venue, and no arrests had been made as of Sunday morning. Sstate and federal authorities remained on the scenes alongside investigators, with the surrounding area still closed off while evidence teams continued processing the site.
Local officials expressed grief and frustration at the violence, with Stockton Vice Mayor Jason Lee stating on social media that the shooting occurred “at a child’s birthday party,” though Brent would only confirm that it was a family gathering. “It’s unfathomable that there were young children that were harmed,” she said.
Mayor Christina Fugazi, speaking at the scene, emphasized the shock of such violence occurring just days after Thanksgiving. “Families should be together instead of at the hospital standing next to their loved one praying that they survive,” she said. San Joaquin County District Attorney Ron Freitas added that “Tragedy of this nature is unthinkable,” and urged the public to come forward with any information.
Multiple agencies — including the FBI, ATF, and Stockton police — are assisting with the investigation. California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s office said the governor had been briefed on the “horrific shooting,” and the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services is coordinating with law enforcement as the case unfolds.
Authorities are asking anyone with video, information, or eyewitness accounts to contact the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office. A local nonprofit, the Youth Peace & Justice Foundation, announced it is offering a reward of up to $5,000 for tips leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible.
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