Trendpills
A celebration for a child’s first birthday turned into a scene of tragedy in Stockton, California, after at least two assailants opened fire, killing four people and injuring several others on Saturday night. The attack occurred around 9 p.m. at the La Mexicana banquet hall on Lucile Avenue, where a family was hosting the party.
Authorities from the San Joaquin County Sheriff's Office reported that two people wearing dark clothing and masks entered the venue from a back entrance and began shooting into the crowd. The suspects fled the scene immediately after the attack and remain at large. The community was left in shock by the violence, which disrupted what was meant to be a joyous occasion, with local media covering the extensive emergency response.
The shooting resulted in four fatalities: two adults and two children. The child victims were identified as being just one and seven years old. Several other attendees were transported to nearby hospitals with injuries, though officials have not released the exact number of wounded. The incident marks another grim instance of gun violence impacting children, a detail highlighted in international coverage of the tragedy.
During a press conference, San Joaquin County Sheriff Patrick Withrow described the incident as a “horrific, cowardly act” and stated that investigators believe the attack was targeted, not a random act of violence. "Our belief is that this was a targeted event," Withrow said, indicating that the motive may be gang-related. A multi-agency investigation is underway to identify and apprehend the suspects, with authorities appealing to the public for any information. The Sheriff's Office has dedicated significant resources to the case, vowing to bring justice for the victims and their families.
