Four people have been killed and 10 wounded in a horror mass shooting at a children’s birthday party.
Officers were called to the scene in Stockton, California, just before 6pm local time. A suspect is still on the loose and police say they believe the shooting may have been “targeted”.
Spokeswoman Heather Brent, from San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office, described the incident as “unfathomable”, adding: “This is a very active and ongoing investigation.”
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Multiple agencies are working ‘to bring justice’
Vice Mayor Jason Lee has said he’s spoken directly with the San Joaquin County Sheriff, whose agency is leading the investigation. H
e wrote in a statement: “One thing I can say with absolute confidence is this: our county has the best Sheriff in the country, and I trust his leadership completely. I know he and his team will pursue this case with the urgency and determination our community deserves.”
Lee also said that “multiple agencies” were working together to “bring those responsible to justice”.
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What we know so far
Four people have died and ten have been wounded at the incident in Stockton, California, police confirmed.
The shooting took place at a child’s birthday party, the vice mayor, Jason Lee, said on social media.
The investigation is active and ongoing, with San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Officeappealing to the public to share any information or footage with the authorities
Early indicators suggest this may have been a targeted incident, police said.
Governor Newsom has been briefed on the shooting.
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Politician ‘devastated’ by the news
Representative Josh Harder, for California’s 9th Congressional District which covers San Joaquin County, has shared a statement on the shooting.
He said: “I’m devastated at news of a mass shooting in Stockton, and Pam and I are praying for the victims and their families. My office is carefully monitoring this situation and in close contact with local law enforcement.”
KEY EVENT
Vice mayor says his family was at the party
Jason Lee, the vice mayor of Stockton, has said he had family at the birthday party where the shooting took place. He said in a statement shared on social media: “There’s no beef or anything that ever makes it ok to kill someone’s children. I have so many words but I’ll hold them for now because I know that I won’t say them right.”
Lee continued: “My family was at this event and was scared for her own child and grandchild. I am sick of all of this. I’m praying for all those impacted and thankful to all who have reached out to help.”
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Governor briefed on ‘horrific’ shooting
Gavin Newsom, the governor of California, has been briefed on the “horrific shooting” in Stockton, his press office confirmed.
A statement on X reads: “The Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (@Cal_OES) is monitoring this evolving situation and coordinating with local law enforcement.”
A first responder seen walking near the scene (
Image:
AP)
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Community urged to share any information
The public has been urged to share any information or footage they may have with the authorities. The mayor said: “If you know anything, call the Crime Stoppers Hotline (209) 946-0600 where you can leave an anonymous tip.”
Meanwhile, San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office said: “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. Community assistance is vital in helping us identify those responsible and bring justice to the victims and their loved ones.”
First responders at the scene of the shooting (
Image:
AP)
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Governor Newsom offers state’s ‘full support’
Mayor Fugazi has said she has spoken with Governor Newsom, who has offered “the full support of the State of California to assist our community and our law enforcement agencies in any way needed”.
The mayor stated: “I have also spoken with Stockton Police Chief Stan McFadden, our federal law enforcement partners, and San Joaquin County District Attorney Ron Freitas. Those responsible will be identified and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
“Our first responders acted quickly, securing multiple scenes and providing immediate medical aid. Their professionalism reflects the very best of our city.”
Mayor Fugazi at the scene (
Image:
AP)
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Stockton mayor shares updates on ‘heartbreaking’ incident
Stockton mayor Christina Fugazi has shared a statement on social media. She wrote: “Tonight our city is facing a heartbreaking and painful situation. According to the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office, 14 people have been shot and four lives have been tragically lost near the 1900 block of Lucile Ave.
“Because the initial incident occurred in the county jurisdiction, the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office is leading this investigation. I have been in direct communication with Sheriff Withrow, and I want our community to know we have the best Sheriff in the country and some of the strongest law enforcement professionals anywhere.”
She added: “As Mayor, I am ensuring every necessary resource is available and that our city supports this effort at every level. Right now, our focus must remain on the victims, their families, and the safety of the community.”
Stockton mayor Christina Fugazi (
Image:
AP)Don’t Miss
Photographs show chaos at the scene
First responders at the scene (
Image:
AP)
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‘Children should not be harmed’, DA says
San Joaquin County District Attorney Ron Freitas has said: “When this individual is caught, you have my promise that you will have the full force of my office’s resources in holding this individual fully accountable. Children should not be harmed by gun or gang violence.”
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Appeal for witnesses after attack
Anyone with information, video footage or who may have witness any part of the incident has been asked to contact the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office immediately.
Police said: “Community assistance is vital in helping us identify those responsible and bring justice to the victims and their loved ones.”
KEY EVENT
Police confirm four dead
Police have confirmed that four people have been killed in the shooting. The attack took place near the 1900 block of Lucile Avenue in Stockton and officers were called to the scene just before 6pm local time.
San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office has stated on X: “This is a very active and ongoing investigation, and information remains limited.”
SOURCE: https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/us-news/stockton-california-shooting-party-live-36328618
