STOCKTON, Calif. — Three children are among the four people killed in a mass shooting at a California child’s birthday party, officials said Sunday. Eleven others, including a 9-year-old, are injured.
The San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office says the shooting happened around 6 p.m. inside a strip mall shopping center in Stockton, California.
Officials announced on Sunday the ages of those killed are 8, 9, 14 and 21 years old. They say the banquet hall was packed with up to 150 partygoers.
At least one of the injured is a 9-year-old in fair condition, according to Dignity Health St. Joseph Medical Center.
In a statement, hospital officials said: “Dignity Health St. Joseph’s Medical Center received three patients as a result of the shooting in North Stockton. Two adult patients are currently being cared for at our hospital. One has minor injuries and a second patient is undergoing surgery. A 9-year-old pediatric patient also arrived at the emergency room and is in fair condition,” the hospital spokesperson. Investigation ongoing. Authorities are still searching for a suspect and will hold the person or persons responsible.”
Two other adults were being treated at Dignity Health-St. Joseph’s Medical Center, one for minor injuries and the other for more extensive injuries requiring surgery, a hospital spokesperson told ABC Stockton affiliate station KXTV.
Sutter Memorial Hospital in Modesto also confirmed to KXTV that they are also treating victims of the mass shooting, but weren’t immediately able to provide the number of patients they have or their conditions.
“We believe families came together to celebrate their children’s birthday party, and a suspect, or suspects, targeted this event,” said Heather Brent from the San Joaquin Sheriff’s Office.
Brent said early indications are that it may have been a targeted shooting, although authorities have not yet identified a suspect or made any arrests.
“Our No. 1 priority right now is identifying the suspect in this incident. We want no stone unturned to locate possible suspect,” Brent said.
Speaking to reporters at the scene, Stockton Mayor Christina Fugazi noted the timing of the shooting, just a few days after the Thanksgiving holiday.
“Families should be together instead of at the hospital standing next to their loved one praying that they survive,” she said.
In a plea to the community, Fugazi added, “Whoever did this, if you know them … please call Crime Stoppers. You can leave an anonymous tip. We’ve got work to do and this type of violence, again, our city is better than that.”
San Joaquin County District Attorney Ron Freitas said, “Tragedy of this nature is unthinkable. And it absolutely breaks our heart. Right now, we are doing everything possible to bring the individual that’s responsible for this to justice.”
The office of California Gov. Gavin Newsom said the governor had been briefed on the “horrific shooting.”
Stockton Community Reacts
“Our hearts have been made heavy. Our hearts are grieving for the innocent lives,” said a Stockton faith leader.
Community members and faith leaders gathered near the crime scene Sunday to pray for the young victims of a mass shooting in North Stockton.
Witnesses say it was a scene of complete chaos. Multiple bullet holes are still visible on the backside of a banquet hall where shots were fired Saturday afternoon.
“I heard gunshots, multiple rounds, well over 20,” said Brent Terill.
Terill heard the shots and saw people running.
“What I saw were a lot of people scattering, running shouting, screaming, crying and parents asking where their kids are,” Terill said.
Authorities removed a car via flatbed, which was part of crime scene evidence.
“They were carrying bodies out and laying them on the ground doing CPR. It was terrible. It brought a tear to my eye. It hit me, you know,” said neighbor Priscilla Salas.
Investigators are not commenting about a motive or if gang activity is a factor, but a neighbor, who wanted to stay anonymous, had no doubt.
“It was definitely targeted, definitely gang related. These youngsters don’t care. It’s like Chicago. If you’re there, kids, family members, mom, dad — everyone get it. That’s the mentality out here. We need help,” he said.
Currently, a suspect, or suspects, remain at large. The sheriff’s office is making a plea to the community for information or security camera footage.
Detectives were still working to identify a possible motive.
Among the law enforcement agencies responding to assist are the FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Stockton, a city of about 320,00 residents in central California, is located about 45 miles south of Sacramento.
ABC7’s Cornell Barnard contributed to this report. ABC News’ Jack Moore and Bill Hutchinson also contributed to this report.
Stay with us for the latest details on this developing story.
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