Four people have died, and ten others were injured after gunfire erupted at a family gathering in northern California on Saturday night, police confirmed.
According to authorities, the victims ranged from “juveniles to adults” and were taken to local hospitals for treatment.
Heather Brent, a spokesperson for the San Joaquin County sheriff’s office, said, “What we have confirmed at this time is that there was a banquet hall where a family was celebrating.”
In a statement on social media, the sheriff’s office reported that “approximately 14 individuals were struck by gunfire, and four victims have been confirmed deceased”, adding that information about the incident remained limited.
Detectives were described as “working to determine the circumstances leading up to this tragedy”. The statement also noted: “Early indications suggest this may be a targeted incident, and investigators are exploring all possibilities.”
Stockton’s vice mayor, Jason Lee, said the shooting occurred during a child’s birthday party at the venue.
In a Facebook post, he wrote: “I am in contact with staff and public safety officials to understand exactly what happened, and I will be pushing for answers.”
Police said emergency calls came in shortly before 6pm, reporting a shooting near the 1900 block of Lucile Avenue in Stockton, roughly 50 miles east of San Francisco.
The gunfire took place inside a banquet hall that shares its parking lot with other nearby businesses.
Authorities have not yet released further details about the victims’ conditions. Earlier statements confirmed that several had been transported to hospital for treatment.
Investigators appealed for public assistance, urging witnesses to come forward.
“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,” police said.
California governor Gavin Newsom was briefed on the incident, his office confirmed in a post on social media.
