Deadly Shooting at Stockton Family Gathering Claims 4 Lives and Injures 10 in Suspected Targeted Attack

The violent incident took place within a banquet facility that shares a common parking area with neighboring establishments.

A shooting at a family gathering in a Stockton banquet hall resulted in four fatalities and ten injuries, according to county sheriff's officials on Saturday.

Sheriff's office spokesperson Heather Brent confirmed that the victims spanned multiple age groups, including both children and adults. During a press conference at the location, Brent stated that preliminary evidence "indicates this may have been a deliberately targeted attack."

Officials noted that the suspected assailant remains at large and urged community members to provide any relevant information. Investigators continue working to establish potential motives behind the shooting.

San Joaquin County District Attorney Ron Freitas made a public appeal during the news conference, saying: "Anyone with information regarding this individual should contact authorities immediately. To the perpetrator: we urge you to surrender yourself promptly."

The incident occurred shortly before 6 pm inside the banquet facility, which is situated in a commercial complex with other businesses. Stockton, with a population of 320,000, is located approximately 40 miles (64 kilometers) south of California's capital, Sacramento.

Mayor Christina Fugazzi expressed her distress, stating: "Families should be celebrating together, not standing beside hospital beds praying for their loved ones' survival."

Officials did not immediately disclose detailed information about the victims' medical conditions, though they confirmed that multiple individuals had been transported to local hospitals.