At least 4 killed in mass shooting at child’s birthday party in California, officials say

At least four people were killed and 14 others wounded in a “mass shooting” during a family gathering at a banquet hall in Stockton, California, the sheriff’s office said.

The suspect in the shooting is at large.

The shooting happened around 6 pm Pacific Time at a banquet hall along the 1900 block of Lucile Avenue, Heather Brent, a spokesperson for the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office, said in a briefing.

Stockton’s Vice Mayor Jason Lee confirmed that the attack took place at a child’s birthday party.

“An ice cream shop should never be a place where families fear for their lives,” Mr Lee said.

Brent did not confirm the details of the event but said early indications “suggest this may have been a targeted incident”.

No arrests have been made so far, Brent said.

San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office said: “We can confirm at this time that approximately 14 individuals were struck by gunfire, and four victims have been confirmed deceased.”

“This is a very active and ongoing investigation, and information remains limited. Early indications suggest this may be a targeted incident, and investigators are exploring all possibilities,” it added.

“We are urging anyone with information, video footage, or who may have witnessed any part of this incident to contact the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office immediately,” it said.

California Governor Gavin Newsom’s office said that he was aware of the shooting.

There was no information on the details of the motive of the suspect or the circumstances that led up to the shooting were unclear.

The shooting occurred inside the banquet hall, which shares a parking lot with other businesses.

The victims were taken to hospitals for treatment.