## Four Dead at Child's Birthday Party in Stockton
A shooting at a child's birthday party in Stockton, California, has left four people dead and ten others injured. The violent incident occurred on Saturday evening inside a banquet hall, where families had gathered for the celebration. Authorities have confirmed that both children and adults are among the victims.
### Incident Details
- Gunfire erupted just before 6 p.m. local time inside a shopping mall complex that hosted the banquet hall and other businesses.
- Law enforcement indicated that approximately 14 people were shot, resulting in four fatalities.
- Multiple victims, including children, were transported to local hospitals with various injuries, but the specific conditions and ages have not been released.
- Police are investigating whether the shooting was a targeted attack, but no clear motive or suspect information has been made public so far.
### Official Response and Ongoing Investigation
- The San Joaquin County Sheriff's Office, along with the FBI and other agencies, is leading the investigation.
- California Governor Gavin Newsom’s office has acknowledged the “horrific shooting” and is coordinating with local law enforcement to address the tragedy.
- Community leaders, including city officials and the district attorney, expressed shock and sorrow, emphasizing the impact of gun violence on families and neighborhoods.
> “It's unimaginable that young children were affected.”
> — Heather Brent, San Joaquin County Sheriff’s spokesperson
### Additional Context
- Stockton, located in California’s Central Valley, has experienced issues with gun violence before, but officials note the toll this event took on families and children is particularly severe.
- The shooter remains at large as of the latest updates, and authorities continue to search for more details to identify anyone responsible.
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**Author’s summary:**
A tragic shooting during a Stockton child’s birthday party claimed four lives and injured ten, including children, as authorities continue to search for the assailant and motive behind this targeted act of violence.
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Al Jazeera — 2025-11-30