Police authorities said four people have died after 14 people were shot at a family gathering in northern California on Saturday night.
The victims, who range from “juveniles to adults”, were taken to local hospitals, Heather Brent, a spokesperson for the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s office, said.
The Sheriff’s office reported that juveniles were among the victims in possible ‘targeted’ attack on a banquet hall in Stockton
According to Officer Brent, “What we have confirmed at this time is that there was a banquet hall where a family was celebrating”.
A social media post by the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s office indicated that “approximately 14 individuals were struck by gunfire, and four victims have been confirmed deceased”, adding that information about the shooting was limited.
Furthermore, the Sheriff’s Office said detectives were “working to determine the circumstances leading up to this tragedy”.
“Early indications suggest this may be a targeted incident, and investigators are exploring all possibilities,” it said.
The shooting took place at a child’s birthday party, held inside the banquet hall, which shares a parking lot with other businesses, Stockton’s Vice Mayor Jason Lee said in a Facebook post.
“I am in contact with staff and public safety officials to understand exactly what happened, and I will be pushing for answers,” he said.
Police said they received reports shortly before 6pm of a shooting that occurred near the 1900 block of Lucile Avenue in Stockton, about 50 miles east of San Francisco.
Authorities did not immediately provide additional information about the conditions of the victims. Officials said earlier that several were taken to hospital.
“We are urging anyone with information, video footage, or who may have witnessed any part of this incident to contact the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office immediately,” police said.
Also in a post to social media, the California Governor, Gavin Newsom’s office said he has been briefed on the shooting.
