By Wellington Jopelo
Not fewer than four people have lost their lives and ten others were left injured after gunfire erupted during a family function in California on Saturday evening, an incident authorities have already described as a targeted attack.
Sheriff’s officials said the shooting broke out inside a rented banquet hall in Stockton, northeast of San Francisco, shortly before 6 p.m. Spokesperson Heather Brent told reporters that the celebration was underway when chaos unfolded, leaving victims ranging from young people to adults. Details about what triggered the violence remain limited as investigations continue.
According to Brent, deputies arrived to find a scene of panic as guests attempted to help the wounded. “What we can confirm is that a family gathering was taking place at the time. We have a total of 14 victims, with four confirmed deceased,” she said, noting that early findings point to the likelihood that the attack was deliberate. Detectives are still examining all possible motives.
Investigators spent the night combing through the hall and surrounding area for clues, gathering surveillance footage and interviewing traumatized guests who witnessed the shooting. In a public statement, the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office said detectives are working urgently to piece together the events leading up to the assault.
Authorities have appealed to the public for assistance, urging anyone with additional information, video evidence, or insight into what took place to come forward. As of Sunday, no suspect has been identified or taken into custody.
California Governor Gavin Newsom has been briefed on the developing situation, his office confirmed in an online statement.
The incident adds to the rising number of mass shootings across the United States this year. According to data from the Gun Violence Archive, the Stockton attack marks the 504th mass shooting recorded in 2025, based on its criteria of four or more people shot.