 "First responders at scene of a mass shooting in Stockton, California on Saturday. AP")
A child’s birthday celebration in US’ Stockton took a horrific turn over the weekend when a mass shooting left four people dead, including three children, and injured more than 10 others.
The incident unfolded inside a banquet hall on Saturday night, where an estimated 100 to 150 guests had gathered, according to the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office. Stockton, a city in California’s Central Valley, south of Sacramento.
Investigators are now urging anyone with information to come forward.
“We need everyone who has any information on this to reach out to us,” San Joaquin County Sheriff Patrick Withrow said during a news conference on 30 November. “This is the time for our community to show that we will not put up with this type of behaviour where people will just walk in and kill children.”
So what exactly happened that night? How have officials responded? And what do we know so far about the shooter?
Here’s a closer look.
A birthday party turns tragic
A family celebration in Stockton took a horrific turn on Saturday evening when shots were fired inside a banquet hall in San Joaquin County.
The gathering was meant to be a child’s birthday party, but around 6:00 pm, at least one gunman opened fire, according to the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office. Officials said around 15 people were hit by gunfire.
By Sunday, authorities confirmed that four people had died. Their ages ranged from 8 to 21 years, and heartbreakingly, three of them were children, aged 8, 9 and 14. The fourth victim was a 21-year-old adult. Another 11 people suffered injuries and were taken to nearby hospitals, officials confirmed.
According to The AP, Roscoe Brown, whose brother’s granddaughter was turning two, said the toddler was not hurt. Brown, who works with the city’s Office of Violence Prevention, was in Arizona when he heard about the shooting and immediately drove back to Stockton. He shared that his niece and nephew were among those shot, and he personally knew several other victims.
Faith in the Valley, a faith-based community organisation in California’s Central Valley, announced that the organisation would be holding a vigil to honour the victims in the shooting. Stockton Vice Mayor Jason Lee encouraged the community to attend the vigil, USA Today reports.
“Last night’s tragedy has shaken our entire city,” Lee said in a social media post. “To the families: your pain is my pain. My heart, prayers, and full support are with you. If you know anything … please say something. Our families deserve healing and justice.”
Who is the shooter? What was the motive?
As of now, no suspect has been named, and investigators say the shooter, or shooters, is still at large, according to the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office.
“This was a birthday party for a young child, and the fact that this happened is absolutely heartbreaking,” Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Sandra Brent told reporters, as reported by CBS News. She added that investigators are open to any information, “even rumours.”
District Attorney Ron Freitas also addressed the public, urging the gunman to “turn yourself in immediately."
Sheriff Withrow said early evidence indicates this may have been a targeted attack. He explained that the shooting started inside the hall before moving outside.
“We’re going to say that we’re confident that this was not a random act,” Withrow said at the conference. “They walked into this area and was probably looking for somebody in particular. Why they did that, what they’re part of, who they are — we don’t know.”
Withrow added that investigators have now processed the scene and are examining the evidence collected.
Several vehicles, including some with bullet holes, were towed away for further review, Withrow told reporters. He also said that “some firearms” were found on the roof of the building, though investigators have not yet determined whether those weapons were connected to the shooting, according to AP News.
How have officials responded?
California Governor Gavin Newsom called the shooting a “horrific” tragedy in a statement posted on social media just hours after it happened. His office said the governor was closely monitoring developments and staying in touch with local authorities.
Stockton Mayor Christina Fugazi also announced a cash reward to encourage people to come forward with information.
“Crimestoppers is offering a $10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those involved. I am matching that with another $10,000, and with a $5,000 contribution from Councilwoman Mariela Ponce. The total bounty now stands at $25,000,” Fugazi wrote in a social media post.
The mayor also confirmed that the 8-year-old victim attended a local school and that one of the child’s parents worked for the Stockton Unified School District. She said counsellors would be available at schools this week to support students and staff.
Stockton Vice Mayor Jason Lee released a statement expressing his shock and frustration. He said he was “devastated and angry” that the shooting unfolded during a child’s birthday celebration at an ice cream shop, adding that such a place “should never be a location where families fear for their lives."
With input from agencies