A horrific shooting erupted at a family gathering in Stockton, California, leaving four people dead and ten others wounded in what authorities believe was a targeted attack at a local banquet hall.
The tragic incident unfolded during what should have been a peaceful family celebration, sending shockwaves through the Central Valley community. San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Heather Brent confirmed the devastating casualty count during a press conference held at the scene on Saturday.
The victims span multiple generations, with both children and adults among those killed and wounded in the violence that shattered the evening gathering. The ages and identities of the victims have not yet been released as authorities work to notify families.
“Early indications suggest this may have been a targeted incident,” Brent told reporters as investigators combed through the crime scene for evidence. The statement suggests the shooting was not random, though officials have not disclosed what may have motivated the attack or whether suspects have been identified.
Emergency responders rushed to the banquet hall following reports of gunfire, with first responders arriving to find multiple victims scattered throughout the venue. The wounded were transported to area hospitals, though their current conditions remain unknown.
The shooting adds to Stockton’s troubled history with gun violence, as the city of approximately 310,000 residents has grappled with crime challenges in recent years. Local authorities are working around the clock to piece together the sequence of events that led to this devastating outcome.
Investigators have cordoned off the banquet hall as they collect evidence and interview witnesses who were present during the shooting. The sheriff’s office has not indicated whether any arrests have been made or if suspects remain at large.
This developing story continues to unfold as authorities work to bring clarity to the circumstances surrounding this tragic incident that has left a local family and the broader Stockton community reeling from the senseless violence.
