A mass shooting this Saturday night in Stockton, California, left at least four people dead and ten injured at a banquet hall where a family gathering was taking place, according to authorities. The attack occurred shortly before 6:00 p.m. local time in the northern part of the city, in an area that shares a parking lot with several businesses. The San Joaquin County Sheriff's Office is leading the investigation. The suspected assailant fled the scene and remains at large, and authorities are urging the public to provide any relevant information while detectives work to determine a possible motive. Officials confirmed that among the wounded were both children and adults, though no immediate details were provided on the condition of those taken to local hospitals. In a press conference, a spokesperson stated that "preliminary indications suggest this may have been a selective incident." The spokesperson emphasized that this is "a very active and ongoing investigation, and information remains limited." Stockton's Mayor, Christina Fugazi, released a statement calling the situation "devastating and painful" and asked the community to "keep the victims, their loved ones, and our first responders in their prayers." Additionally, she noted that California Governor Gavin Newsom has been notified of the shooting and has offered the state's full support to assist the community. Stockton thus joins the growing list of American communities affected by armed violence in everyday spaces. According to the Gun Violence Archive, at least 380 mass shootings have occurred in the United States so far this year (defined as incidents where at least four people are shot, not including the attacker).
