STOCKTON, Calif. (AP) — A devastating shooting at a banquet hall during a family gathering has claimed the lives of four people and injured ten others, according to the San Joaquin County sheriff's officials.
The victims included children and adults, highlighting the tragedy's profound impact on the community. Heather Brent, spokesperson for the sheriff's office, suggested in a news conference that the incident was possibly targeted.
Local officials are actively searching for the suspect, who remains at large. They have called on the public for assistance in identifying the shooter, stressing the urgency of the situation. “If you have any information regarding this individual, reach out immediately. If you are this individual, turn yourself in immediately,” urged San Joaquin County District Attorney Ron Freitas.
The shooting took place shortly before 6 p.m. at a banquet hall that shares parking with other businesses, in a city of approximately 320,000 residents located about 40 miles south of Sacramento.
Mayor Christina Fugazzi expressed sorrow over the incident, stating, “Families should be together instead of at the hospital, standing next to their loved one, praying that they survive.”
Authorities have not released further information on the victims' conditions, but it has been stated that several were transported to local hospitals for treatment.
