No fewer than four people were killed and 10 others injured in a mass shooting at a family gathering in Stockton, California.
The incident, which occurred in a banquet hall where a child’s birthday party was being held, occurred before 6 p.m. local time.
According to the BBC, authorities believe the shooting was a targeted attack, but no suspect has been identified or arrested.
The victims, ranging from youth to adults, were rushed to local hospitals for treatment.
The BBC reports that California Governor Gavin Newsom has been briefed on the situation and that the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office is leading the investigation.
In a post shared on Facebook, Vice Mayor Jason Lee expressed shock over the incident and noted that the community is recovering from the tragedy.
“Tonight, my heart is heavy in a way that is difficult to put into words. As Deputy Mayor of Stockton, and as someone who grew up in this community, I am devastated and angry to learn of the mass shooting at a child’s birthday party. A birthday party should never be a place where families fear for their lives.
“Violence affected my life when I was young, and seeing our own children, parents and neighbors go through this moves me deeply. Stockton is my home. These are our families. This is our community.
“I am in contact with public safety staff and officials to understand exactly what happened and will press for answers. Our community deserves to know the truth and the affected families deserve justice and every resource available to support them.
“Tonight I send my thoughts, prayers and love to the families who are suffering, to the children who witnessed this trauma and to everyone in our city who feels this pain.
“Please God, uplift our community. We do not deserve this. And we will not accept this as our norm,” he wrote.
However, the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office has asked anyone with information, video evidence or who witnessed the incident to come forward.
According to spokesperson Heather Brent, the incident was “unfathomable,” adding that information was limited despite the ongoing investigation.
“Early indications suggest this may be a targeted incident and investigators are exploring all possibilities.”
Stockton Mayor Christina Fugazi further described the shooting as “unacceptable” and said the family should be united and spend memorable times together.
“Families should be together instead of being in the hospital, next to their loved ones, praying that they survive,” Fugazi said.
(BBC)