Ethan Swope/AP
At least four people were killed and ten others were injured in a mass shooting at a family gathering inside a banquet hall in Stockton, California, on Saturday night, according to authorities.
A rising number of American cities, including schools, shopping malls, restaurants, and office buildings, have seen gun violence as a result of the violence in Stockton.
Heather Brent, a spokesman for the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office, stated that both adults and children were among those shot. The conditions of individuals sent to local hospitals were not immediately disclosed by officials.
At a press conference, Brent stated, “Early indications suggest this may have been a targeted incident.” “There is still little information available, and this is a very active and ongoing investigation,” she stated.
The sheriff’s office reports that the incident took place in the city’s northern area shortly before 6 p.m. According to Brent, the family celebration was being held at the banquet hall, which shares a parking lot with a number of establishments, including a Dairy Queen. About 40 miles to the south of Sacramento sits Stockton.
According to Brent, the alleged shooter escaped and is still at large. As investigators try to identify a potential motive, officials are asking the public for assistance. “Every possibility is being investigated,” Brent stated.
The inquiry is being led by the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office.
According to the Gun Violence Archive, there have been at least 380 mass shootings in the US so far this year. A mass shooting is defined as when at least four people are shot, excluding the gunman.
Two individuals were killed and two police officers were hurt in a shooting at Martin’s Super Market in Elkhart, Indiana, in January. A man entered the lobby of a Park Avenue building in New York City in August, killed a police officer, and then started shooting at other innocent bystanders. A fellow student allegedly opened fire during the third week of classes at Evergreen High School in Colorado the following month, leaving two classmates gravely injured.
According to his office, California Governor Gavin Newsom has been informed about the shooting. The governor has “offered the full support of the state of California” to help the town, according to a statement from Stockton Mayor Christina Fugazi.
Fugazi wrote, “Our city is facing a heartbreaking and painful situation tonight.” “Please remember to pray for our first responders, the victims, and their loved ones.”
More information has been added to this story.