Gunman Opens Fire at Child’s Birthday Party in California: 4 Dead, 10 Injured

A tragic shooting incident unfolded at a restaurant and banquet hall in Stockton, California, during a child’s birthday celebration. The attack, which occurred shortly before 6 p.m. local time on Saturday, left at least four people dead and ten others injured, including both children and adults, according to the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office.

Sheriff’s spokesperson Heather Brent stated that the shooting appears to have been targeted, although no suspects have been arrested yet. Calling the incident “unimaginable,” she added that investigators have not confirmed whether the gunfire took place inside or outside the venue. Multiple law enforcement agencies, including the FBI and Stockton Police Department, are assisting in the investigation. Authorities have urged eyewitnesses or anyone with video footage to come forward.

Stockton Vice Mayor Jason Lee described the attack as a “heinous assault at a child’s birthday party,” while Mayor Christina Fugazi condemned the incident as “unacceptable.”

California Governor Gavin Newsom’s office said in a statement on social media that the governor has been briefed on the “horrific shooting,” and the Office of Emergency Services is coordinating with law enforcement agencies to monitor the situation.

Despite having some of the strictest gun control laws in the United States, California has faced numerous legal challenges in recent years, raising renewed concerns about the state’s ability to enforce firearm regulations effectively.