Four killed, 10 injured in mass shooting at child’s birthday party in Stockton

A family birthday celebration in Stockton, California, turned into a massacre Saturday evening when gunfire erupted inside a banquet hall, killing at least four people and wounding 10 others, including children.

“This is devastating. I will be pushing for answers,” Stockton Vice Mayor Jason Lee wrote on Facebook, saying the shooting unfolded during a child’s birthday party.

San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Heather Brent confirmed that both kids and adults were among the victims. Deputies arrived just before 6pm local time after reports of rapid gunfire near the 1900 block of Lucile Avenue.

Inside the hall, part of a small commercial strip with shared parking, deputies found chaos: multiple people down, families screaming, the party space riddled with bullet holes.

“We can confirm at this time that approximately 14 individuals were struck by gunfire, and four victims have been confirmed deceased,” the sheriff’s office posted on X. “Early indications suggest this may be a targeted incident, and investigators are exploring all possibilities.”

Authorities have not released information on the suspect, motive, or the condition of the surviving victims. The investigation remained active late into the night.

Governor Gavin Newsom’s office said he has been briefed on the “horrific shooting” and is monitoring developments.