Four people were killed and 10 others wounded on Saturday evening when gunfire erupted at a family gathering being held as a child’s birthday party at a banquet hall along the 1900 block of Lucile Avenue in Stockton, San Joaquin County authorities said. Officials said about 14 people in total were struck by gunfire.
San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded just before 6 p.m. local time after reports of shots fired. In a post on social media the sheriff’s office said early indications suggested the incident “may be targeted,” but investigators stressed the probe is active and many details — including a motive and the identity of any shooter — remained under investigation.
Local officials described the scene as a family gathering at a banquet hall where children and adults were present. Stockton’s vice mayor, Jason Lee, and the county district attorney both confirmed that children were among the victims, and community leaders called for calm while urging anyone with video or information to come forward.
No arrests had been announced early Sunday. Law enforcement agencies assisting the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office include the Stockton and Manteca police departments and the FBI, the sheriff’s office said. Hospitals in the region received multiple victims; authorities did not immediately release the conditions or ages of the wounded beyond confirming juveniles were among those struck.
California Governor Gavin Newsom’s office said he had been briefed on the “horrific” shooting. Elected officials and community groups expressed sympathy for the victims and called for community support for the families affected as detectives continue canvassing the area, reviewing surveillance and social-media footage, and questioning witnesses.
Investigators asked anyone with phone video, dashcam footage, or information relevant to the incident to contact the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office tip line. The investigation is ongoing and authorities urged anyone with information to come forward as they work to identify and apprehend whoever was responsible.
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