Mass Shootings in California Leave Four Dead, Ten Injured
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In Stockton, California, a tragic mass shooting occurred on Saturday evening, resulting in four deaths and ten injuries during a family celebration at a banquet hall. The incident unfolded just before 6 p.m. on Lucille Avenue, an area that includes a children's theater and a Dairy Queen.
According to the San Joaquin County Sheriff's Office, the victims included both children and adults, with ages ranging from 8 to 22 years old. Heather Brent, a spokesperson for the sheriff's office, indicated that early indications suggest the shooting may have been a targeted incident, although no suspect has yet been apprehended.
Local officials, including Mayor Christina Fugazi and District Attorney Ron Freitas, expressed their devastation over the event, with Mayor Fugazi stating, 'Families should be together instead of at the hospital, standing next to their loved one, praying that they survive.' The event was described as unfathomable, highlighting the emotional toll on the community.
The victims taken to hospitals included a 9-year-old child in fair condition and an adult undergoing surgery, as reported by St. Joseph's Medical Center. In a plea for the public's help, officials urged anyone with information about the shooter to come forward.
The area surrounding the banquet hall, where the shooting took place, is known for family-friendly businesses, making the incident particularly shocking to local residents. Vice Mayor Jason Lee lamented that the shooting occurred during a child's birthday party, reinforcing the need for community safety and accountability for such violence.
The shooting adds to Stockton's history of gun violence, which includes a notable school shooting in 1989 at Cleveland Elementary School. As the investigation continues, local leaders are calling for change to prevent further tragedies, emphasizing that violence of this nature has no place in their community.
Governor Gavin Newsom has been briefed on the situation, describing the shooting as horrific, while local representatives and community members are mourning the loss of life and calling for urgent action regarding gun control measures.
Former Mayor Michael Tubbs stated that residents deserve to live in a safe environment and that the community must work towards reducing gun violence to protect future generations.