Key points
- Four people killed, ten wounded in shooting at banquet hall on 1900 block of Lucile Avenue, Stockton
- Shooting occurred during child’s birthday party, victims include juveniles and adults
- Incident happened around 6 p.m. Pacific Time on Saturday, police believe it may be a targeted attack
- Suspect remains at large, no official information released about shooter’s identity or motive
- San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office leading investigation, FBI and ATF assisting
- Stockton Vice Mayor Jason Lee confirmed shooting happened at child’s birthday party
- Authorities urging public to share any information, video footage, or witness accounts
- Unverified reports suggest rappers MBnel and Fly Boy Doughy may have been intended targets, police have not confirmed
A terrifying mass shooting erupted in Stockton, California, on Saturday night during a child’s birthday party, creating widespread panic and leaving multiple victims seriously injured and hospitalized. The incident occurred at a banquet hall on the 1900 block of Lucile Avenue around 6 p.m. Pacific Time, transforming a family celebration into a scene of unimaginable horror.
The San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that at least four people were killed and ten others wounded in the shooting, with victims ranging from juveniles to adults. Heather Brent, a spokesperson for the sheriff’s office, described the shooting as “unfathomable” and confirmed that children were among those struck by gunfire. Stockton’s Vice Mayor Jason Lee also confirmed on Facebook that the shooting took place during a child’s birthday party, adding to the tragedy of the incident.
Scene completely sealed off as investigation intensifies
Upon receiving reports of the shooting, police teams immediately arrived at the scene and cordoned off the entire area around the banquet hall. Investigative agencies are collecting evidence from the surrounding area and examining every aspect of the incident, though the motive for the shooting and the identity of the attackers remain unknown at this time.
The San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office has established a large perimeter around the crime scene, with forensic teams processing evidence and detectives interviewing potential witnesses. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) are assisting local authorities in the investigation, highlighting the severity of the mass shooting.
Death toll includes children, many victims receiving CPR
According to official reports, at least 14 people were struck by gunfire during the mass shooting, with four victims confirmed dead at the scene or shortly after arriving at hospitals. The victims include children as young as 9 and 12 years old, along with several adults, including a 23-year-old man.
Authorities have confirmed the four deaths, but they say the situation remains critical and the death toll could potentially rise as more information becomes available from hospitals. Several injured victims are reported to be in critical condition and are receiving CPR, with all wounded individuals immediately rushed to nearby hospitals for emergency treatment. No official information has yet been released regarding the updated condition of the surviving injured victims.
Eyewitnesses describe chaos and confusion
Videos shared on social media show a heavy police presence at the scene, with numerous ambulances and emergency vehicles lining the streets around the banquet hall. Several roads have been closed in the vicinity, creating traffic disruptions and adding to the panic among local residents.
One person wrote on social media that they heard rapid gunfire and asked if anyone had seen a white SUV fleeing the area. Another witness said they initially thought the sounds were firecrackers being set off for the birthday celebration, but quickly realized it was gunfire when people began screaming and running for cover. The chaotic scene left party attendees, many of them children, traumatized and scrambling for safety as bullets flew through the banquet hall.
Search for attackers continues as manhunt intensifies
Police are currently conducting an intensive search for the attackers, with authorities launching a massive manhunt across Stockton and surrounding areas. The suspect remains at large, and law enforcement agencies have not released any official information about the shooter’s identity, physical description, or potential vehicle.
San Joaquin County District Attorney Ron Freitas stated, “Tragedy of this nature is unthinkable. And it absolutely breaks our heart. Right now, we are doing everything possible to bring the individual that’s responsible for this to justice”. Authorities have appealed to the public to immediately share any suspicious information, video footage, or witness accounts with the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office.
Possible targeted attack, investigation explores all angles
Early indications from the investigation suggest the shooting may have been a targeted incident rather than a random act of violence. The San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office stated that detectives are exploring all possibilities and investigating every potential motive.
Unverified reports circulating on social media claim that the intended targets of the Stockton mass shooting may have been gangsta rappers MBnel and Fly Boy Doughy, who were reportedly attending the birthday party for rapper Nano’s daughter. However, these reports remain officially unconfirmed, and police have not verified the authenticity of these claims. Stockton’s Vice Mayor Jason Lee emphasized that the investigation remains active and that authorities are examining every lead.
Community impact and official response
The mass shooting has deeply affected the Stockton community, with local leaders expressing shock and outrage at the senseless violence. Stockton Mayor Christina Fugazi noted the tragic timing, just days after the Thanksgiving holiday, stating, “Families should be together instead of at the hospital standing next to their loved one praying that they survive”.
California Governor Gavin Newsom’s office confirmed that he has been informed about the “horrific shooting” in Stockton and is monitoring the situation as it develops. The shooting represents one of the deadliest mass shootings in California in recent years, and authorities are under immense pressure to apprehend the perpetrator quickly.
Ongoing investigation and call for public assistance
The investigation remains very active and ongoing, with the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office leading the multi-agency response. Law enforcement agencies are urging anyone with information about the shooting, including potential witnesses who may have seen suspicious activity near the banquet hall before or after the incident, to contact authorities immediately.
Residents are advised to remain vigilant and report any information that could help identify the shooter, as the suspect remains at large and is considered dangerous. The sheriff’s office has set up a dedicated tip line for information related to the shooting, emphasizing that community assistance is vital in bringing justice to the victims and their families.
