A tragic mass shooting unfolded during a toddler’s birthday celebration in California, leading to the deaths of four individuals, including three young children. This horrific event is believed to have started just as the family was poised to cut the birthday cake.

The gathering, held on November 29 in Stockton, was organized for the 2-year-old daughter of Patrice Williams, who fortunately escaped harm. The party took place at a banquet hall that hosted over 100 attendees, as detailed by San Joaquin County Sheriff Patrick Withrow in a previous report.

“I wanted to bring my family together,” Williams shared with the Associated Press on December 1. “As we were about to start cutting the cake, everyone gathered, and suddenly, gunfire erupted. People hit the floor for cover.”

Among the victims of the attack were Williams’ sister, a cousin, and three friends. In total, 11 individuals were injured, and the lives of a 21-year-old and three children—aged 8, 9, and 14—were tragically cut short.

Williams initially mistook the gunfire for the sound of popping balloons. “I actually thought it was my balloons popping,” she recounted, noting she did not see the shooter.

Williams also expressed remorse Monday for the parents who are now grieving their children. 

“I’m just so shocked and lost and I’m speechless,” she said. “I’m sorry to all the mothers out there that lost their kids at my birthday party.”

On Nov. 30, authorities put the ask out for anyone to share eye-witness accounts, cellphone video and tips for a suspect. 

“This is a time for our community to show that we will not put up with this type of behavior, when people will just walk in and kill children,” Withrow said during Sunday’s media briefing. “And so if you know anything about this, you have to come forward and tell us what you know. If not, you just become complacent and think this is acceptable behavior.”

“They should be writing their Christmas lists right now. Their parents should be out shopping for them for Christmas,” Stockton Mayor Christina Fugazi said of the victims at Sunday’s event. “And to think that their lives are over. I can’t even begin to imagine what these families are going through. Breaks my heart.”