A tragic and senseless act of violence unfolded in Stockton, California, claiming the lives of four individuals, including children, and injuring ten others. This devastating shooting erupted at a banquet hall during a children’s birthday celebration around 6 p.m. PST on Saturday night.

The community is grappling with the heart-wrenching loss. San Joaquin County District Attorney Ron Freitas expressed deep sorrow, stating, “A tragedy of this nature is unthinkable, and it absolutely breaks our hearts to lose lives, especially those of children.”

Heather Brent, a spokesperson for the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office, described the shooting as “unfathomable.” She noted that preliminary evidence points towards this being a targeted attack. The perpetrator remains at large, and Brent emphasized, “Our number one priority is identifying a suspect.”

San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Heather Brent called the shooting ‘unfathomable’ and said: ‘Early indications suggest this may be a targeted incident.’ 

The shooter is still at large and Brent added: ‘Our number one priority is identifying a suspect.

‘This is a very active and ongoing investigation, information remains very limited at this time.’

She said injured victims have been transported to the area’s hospitals.

Stockton Mayor Christina Fugazi addressed press on the scene. In a statement on social media she said: ‘Our first responders acted quickly, securing multiple scenes and providing immediate medical aid. Their professionalism reflects the very best of our city.

At least four people are dead and ten injured after a shooting in Stockton, California

The horrifying shooting took place at a children’s birthday party that was being held in a banquet hall

‘As mayor, I am ensuring every necessary resource is available and that our city supports this effort at every level. Right now, our focus must remain on the victims, their families, and the safety of the community.’

Fugazi spoke with California Governor Newsom about the incident.

His press office tweeted Saturday night: ‘The Governor’s Office of Emergency Services is monitoring this evolving situation and coordinating with local law enforcement.’ 

Videos shared to the Citizen app and social media showed a huge response from emergency services close to a Dairy Queen. 

The city’s Vice Mayor Jason Lee also took to Facebook to express his horror and wrote: ‘Violence touched my life as a young person, and seeing our own children, parents, and neighbors go through this shakes me deeply.

‘Stockton is my home. These are our families. This is our community. 

‘Our community deserves to know the truth, and the families impacted deserve justice and every resource available to support them.’

Lee said he was in contact with public safety officials and will be ‘pushing for answers.’ 

The community has expressed their horror at the incident and Gavin Newsom’s office said he is monitoring the situation

The shooting took place near a Dairy Queen, pictured in the background of this photo

People were quick to express their horror and anguish of the night’s events, commenting on Lee’s post.

‘Stockton needs change so bad. This breaks my heart,’ one Facebook user said.

Another added: ‘Get these guns off the streets, this is terrible. Babies getting shot.’

While a third said: ‘Prayers to all and especially our babies that did not deserve to experience and witness such horror.’

Officers warned residents to stay away from the area.

‘We are urging anyone with information, video footage, or who may have witnessed any part of this incident to contact the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office immediately’ they wrote on social media. 

‘Community assistance is vital in helping us identify those responsible and bring justice to the victims and their loved ones.’

Police taped off the area where the shooting took place at 6pm on Saturday

Several local agencies were on the scene including Stockton Mayor Christina Fugazi (center left), the district attorney’s office, and the sheriff’s office

A representative for the sheriff’s office said it could have been a ‘targeted incident’

Police said that injured victims have been transported to the area’s hospitals

Detectives are working to determine a motive. 

Stockton is located along the San Joaquin River in central California. It is located about 45 miles south of Sacramento and has a population of 320,000.