Authorities report four fatalities, including three minors, in California party shooting

Authorities reported that four individuals, including three children, lost their lives, and eleven others were injured during a shooting at a birthday celebration in Stockton, California late Saturday. Officials described the event as a deliberate attack.

The incident occurred just before 6:00 pm local time (0200 GMT Sunday) inside a banquet hall in Stockton, a city located northeast of San Francisco, according to Heather Brent, spokesperson for the San Joaquin County Sheriff's Office.

The deceased victims were aged 8, 9, 14, and 21 years old. The wounded, totaling 11 people, were transported to hospitals, although authorities have not released further details about their conditions. Brent noted that roughly 100 to 150 guests were present at the party when the shooting began.

"Initial indications point to this being a targeted attack," Brent said. When questioned about a potential gang connection, she stated that investigators are exploring all possibilities. The sheriff's office has urged anyone with information or video evidence to come forward.

At this time, no suspects have been identified or apprehended. Brent also mentioned that authorities have not ruled out the involvement of multiple shooters. California Governor Gavin Newsom has been briefed on the situation.

This incident adds to the 504 mass shootings reported in the United States so far this year, as tracked by the Gun Violence Archive, which classifies mass shootings as events where four or more individuals are shot.

Author: Sophia Brooks