4 Dead, 10 Hurt in Stockton Banquet Hall Shooting; Suspect Still at Large

fire, killing at least four people and wounding ten more, according to the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office.

Authorities say children and adults were among the victims, though the identities and conditions of those taken to hospitals have not yet been released. Stockton City Council member Michele Padilla said the victims range in age from 8 to 22 years old.

The shooting happened just before 6 p.m. at a banquet hall in the northern part of Stockton, about 40 miles south of Sacramento. The hall shares a parking lot with local businesses, including a Dairy Queen, and was hosting a family celebration when shots rang out.

Officials believe the incident may have been targeted, but emphasized the investigation is still in its early stages. Detectives continue searching for the suspected shooter, who fled the scene and remains at large. Authorities are urging the public to come forward with any information that may help locate the person responsible.

Former Rep. Gabby Giffords, a gun violence survivor and founder of GIFFORDS, expressed support for the affected families and renewed a call for federal action to prevent mass shootings.

There have been at least 380 mass shootings in the United States so far this year, according to the Gun Violence Archive, which defines a mass shooting as an incident where at least four people are shot, excluding the shooter.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom has been briefed on the investigation and has offered state support to Stockton officials. Mayor Christina Fugazi asked the community to keep the victims and first responders in their thoughts during what she called a “heartbreaking and painful situation.”

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