Four killed and 11 wounded in shooting at child’s party in California, officials say

Four people were killed and eleven others injured in a shooting at a family gathering in northern California on Saturday night, authorities said.

According to Heather Brent, spokesperson for the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office, the victims who died were between the ages of eight and 21. “What we can confirm at this time is that a family was celebrating inside a banquet hall,” she said, adding that all four victims were taken to local hospitals.

In a statement posted to social media, the sheriff’s office reported that “approximately 14 individuals were struck by gunfire, and four victims have been confirmed deceased,” noting that details about the incident remain limited. Detectives are actively investigating what led to the attack.

“Early indications suggest this may have been a targeted incident, and investigators are considering all possibilities,” the sheriff’s office added. Stockton’s vice mayor, Jason Lee, said in a Facebook post that the gathering was a child’s birthday party.

“I’m in communication with staff and public safety officials to understand exactly what happened, and I will be pushing for answers,” Lee wrote.

Police said they received calls just before 6 p.m. reporting a shooting near the 1900 block of Lucile Avenue in Stockton, located about 50 miles east of San Francisco. The gunfire occurred inside the banquet hall, which shares a parking lot with several nearby businesses.

Officials have not yet released further details about the conditions of the injured victims, though they confirmed that several were transported to area hospitals.

Authorities are urging anyone with information, video footage, or firsthand knowledge of the incident to contact the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office immediately.

California governor Gavin Newsom has been briefed on the shooting, his office said in a social media post.

“This is Thanksgiving weekend — a time when families gather to celebrate, share memories, and show love,” Mayor Christina Fugazi said. “Tonight, heaven is a little bigger with the children and adults who tragically did not make it.