Four Killed in Stockton Birthday Party Shooting as Police Hunt Gunman
Sultanul Arefin 
A children’s birthday party in Stockton, California has ended in tragedy after a mass shooting left four people dead and many more wounded.
Authorities say 14 people were struck by gunfire during the family gathering at a banquet hall on Saturday evening.
Shooting at child’s birthday party in Stockton
The attack happened just before 6pm local time in a banquet hall on Lucile Avenue, about 65km south of Sacramento.
San Joaquin County sheriff’s deputies arrived to find multiple victims inside the venue, which shares a car park with other local businesses.
Officials later confirmed that four people had died and ten others were injured, some critically.
The celebration was for a child’s birthday, turning a family event into what local leaders called “a heartbreaking scene”.
Victims included children and adults
Sheriff’s office spokeswoman Heather Brent said the victims include both children and adults, though ages and identities have not yet been released.
Several of the wounded were taken to nearby hospitals for emergency treatment, and doctors are still assessing long-term injuries.
Authorities have not provided detailed updates on individual conditions.
However, they have warned that the death toll could rise if some victims do not survive their injuries.
Investigation: police probe suspected targeted attack
The San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office said early indications suggest the shooting “may be a targeted incident,” though the motive remains unclear.
Detectives are examining security footage, interviewing witnesses and appealing for any additional video from residents or businesses near the hall.
As of Sunday local time, the suspect or suspects were still at large.
Investigators have not released a description of the gunman, saying the case is “very active” and information is still being confirmed.
Community leaders call for answers and support
Stockton Vice Mayor Jason Lee said he was in contact with public safety officials and would “be pushing for answers” about how the attack unfolded.
Mayor Christina Fugazi described the incident as “unacceptable,” stressing that families should be able to gather without fear of violence.
Local officials urged residents to come forward with any information that could help identify those responsible.
Meanwhile, community groups are organising counselling and support for relatives, witnesses and children who were at the party.
Stockton shooting highlights wider US gun violence crisis
The Stockton birthday-party attack is one of many mass shootings recorded in the United States this year.
National tracking data show that four people were killed and ten injured in this incident alone, classifying it as a major mass shooting.
Advocates say the tragedy again underscores the toll of gun violence on children and families in everyday settings.
As a result, the pressure is mounting on federal and state lawmakers to strengthen background checks and community violence-prevention programs.
Image: AP
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Suzan Seherin 