4 killed, 10 injured in shooting at California banquet hall during family celebration

4 Killed, 10 Injured in Shooting at California Banquet Hall During Family Celebration

A family gathering meant to celebrate life and togetherness turned into tragedy Saturday evening after gunfire tore through a banquet hall in Stockton, California, leaving four people dead and 10 others hospitalized with injuries. Authorities say the celebration, which reportedly included young children, was abruptly shattered shortly before 6 p.m. on the 1900 block of Lucile Avenue.

A Celebration Interrupted by Chaos

According to Heather Brent, spokesperson for the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office, the shooting erupted while a family hosted an event inside the banquet hall. Although full details about the nature of the celebration were not immediately clear, Brent described it as a family gathering, and Stockton Vice Mayor Jason Lee later stated in a public message that the event was a children’s birthday party.

The sudden violence left attendees scrambling for safety as law enforcement agencies rushed to the scene. Brent confirmed that both children and adults were among the victims. The specific ages, identities, and medical conditions of those injured have not yet been released. Families of victims waited anxiously for updates as investigators continued processing the scene.

“It’s unfathomable that there were young children that were harmed,” Brent said during a press briefing near the banquet hall. “This is devastating for the family, for the community, and for everyone touched by this act of violence.”

Authorities Searching for Suspect

Sheriff’s officials said investigators are working urgently to identify the gunman responsible for the attack. Brent emphasized that the incident may have been targeted, though she did not specify who may have been the intended victim or what might have motivated the shooting.

“Our No. 1 priority right now is identifying the suspect in this incident,” she said.

At this stage of the investigation, authorities have not determined whether the gunfire originated inside the banquet hall, outside the building, or in multiple locations. Crime scene technicians could be seen marking bullet casings and examining the building as forensic teams combed through the area for evidence late into the night.

Large Multi-Agency Investigation Underway

The San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office is being assisted by several law enforcement agencies, including the Stockton Police Department and the FBI. Such collaboration is common in mass-casualty shootings, especially when investigators have limited information about the perpetrator or whether additional threats exist.

Officials say they are reviewing surveillance footage from nearby buildings and seeking witnesses who may have captured video on their phones. Detectives also spent time interviewing attendees as well as neighbors who may have heard or seen something suspicious before or after the shots were fired.

Authorities have not released any information about possible suspects, vehicle descriptions, or motives, and they ask anyone with information to contact investigators immediately.

State Officials Respond to the Attack

California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s office released a statement on the social platform X, confirming that the governor had been briefed on the “horrific shooting.” The Governor’s Office of Emergency Services, Newsom’s office said, is coordinating with law enforcement as the state continues to monitor the situation.

The governor’s office frequently provides support in the aftermath of mass shootings, including victim services, emergency resources, and coordination between local and federal agencies.

A Community Shaken but Not Unfamiliar With Violence

The city of Stockton, like many urban communities in California, has faced its share of gun-related tragedies over the years. Community organizations, faith leaders, and local officials have repeatedly emphasized the need for stronger intervention programs, youth support systems, and resources to reduce cycles of violence.

Still, the killing of four people at what was supposed to be a joyful family celebration has drawn particular shock. Residents near Lucile Avenue said they heard sirens for hours as emergency vehicles swarmed the area. Several neighbors described hearing multiple gunshots followed by screams and chaos.

One resident said the shooting “felt like it came out of nowhere,” adding, “You never expect something this terrible to happen at a child’s birthday party.”

Impact on Families and First Responders

Family members of victims gathered near the scene, desperate for information as authorities continued securing the building. Several were escorted to a separate location where officials provided updates and crisis counselors were made available.

Tragic events involving children can also have a lasting impact on first responders. Paramedics, firefighters, and sheriff’s deputies often undergo additional stress support following incidents involving young victims, and officials say such resources will be made available for the teams that responded to Saturday’s shooting.

California’s Wider Struggle With Gun Violence

While California has some of the strongest gun-control laws in the country, gun violence remains a significant challenge. The state has experienced several mass shootings in recent years, prompting renewed debates about public safety measures and prevention programs.

Experts note that many shootings stem from interpersonal conflicts, domestic disputes, or targeted attacks rather than random violence. Brent’s early statement that the banquet hall shooting may have been targeted could indicate that investigators are looking into whether someone at the event was specifically intended as a target. However, no such details have been confirmed.

State and local leaders have emphasized the importance of community cooperation in investigations like these. Witnesses, video evidence, and tips often play a critical role in identifying suspects quickly.

Community Leaders Call for Unity and Action

In his statement, Vice Mayor Jason Lee expressed sorrow for the victims and their families and condemned the violence that disrupted what should have been a joyous celebration of a child’s life.

Events like this “leave a deep scar on communities,” he said, urging residents to come together and support one another as investigators work to bring the perpetrator to justice.

Local advocates have also stressed the need for continued investment in programs addressing the root causes of violence—such as poverty, community disconnection, and lack of resources for at-risk youth. While those efforts cannot eliminate every act of violence, community groups say they can reduce the likelihood of tragedies like Saturday’s shooting.

A Long Road Ahead for the Victims and the City

As families await updates on the conditions of the 10 hospitalized victims, many are preparing for heartbreaking losses and long recoveries. Survivors of gun violence often face not only physical injuries but also deep emotional trauma that can last for years.

The larger community will also need time to heal. Public gatherings, community vigils, and support services are likely to emerge in the coming days as residents honor the lives lost and stand together in grief.

What Comes Next

Investigators are expected to remain at the crime scene through the weekend, gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and trying to piece together what led to the deadly violence inside the Stockton banquet hall.

Authorities have urged anyone with information—no matter how small—to come forward. Even details that seem insignificant could help investigators uncover leads about the suspect or motives.

In the aftermath of a tragedy that robbed a family of a joyful celebration and left an entire community reeling, Stockton now begins the painful process of mourning and seeking justice.

As Brent said, identifying and apprehending the suspect remains the top priority. But for many families directly impacted, the greatest hope is simply for answers—and for healing, however long it may take.

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