In a tragic event in Stockton, California, a shooting at a banquet hall claimed the lives of four individuals, including children, and left ten others injured. The heartbreaking incident unfolded at 6 p.m. PST during a children’s birthday celebration near a Dairy Queen on Saturday night.

Ron Freitas, the District Attorney of San Joaquin County, expressed profound sorrow over the situation, stating, “A tragedy of this nature is unthinkable, and it deeply saddens us to witness such a loss of life, especially when it involves children.”

Heather Brent, a spokesperson for the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office, described the occurrence as “unfathomable.” She noted, “Initial indications suggest this might be a targeted incident,” underscoring the gravity and possible motives behind the attack.

As the shooter remains at large, Brent emphasized the urgency of the situation, saying, “Our primary focus right now is identifying a suspect.” She also highlighted the ongoing nature of the investigation, mentioning that “information remains very limited at this time.”

The shooter is still at large and Brent added: ‘Our number one priority is identifying a suspect.

‘This is a very active and ongoing investigation, information remains very limited at this time.’

She said injured victims have been transported to the area’s hospitals.

Stockton Mayor Christina Fugazi addressed press on the scene. In a statement on social media she said: ‘Our first responders acted quickly, securing multiple scenes and providing immediate medical aid. Their professionalism reflects the very best of our city.

At least four people are dead and ten injured after a shooting in Stockton, California

Vice Mayor Jason Lee called the incident a ‘mass shooting’ which he said took place at a child’s birthday party

‘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.’

Fugazi spoke with California Governor Newsom about the incident.

His press office tweeted Saturday night: ‘The Governor’s Office of Emergency Services is monitoring this evolving situation and coordinating with local law enforcement.’ 

Videos shared to the Citizen app and social media show a huge response from emergency services near the Dairy Queen. 

Police tape sealed off the area around the fast food outlet near Thornton Plaza.

The incident took place at a family gathering at a banquet hall

At least four people are dead and ten injured according to a spokesperson for the sheriff’s office

The city’s Vice Mayor Jason Lee described the incident as a ‘mass shooting at a child’s birthday party’ in a Facebook post.

He wrote: ‘Violence touched my life as a young person, and seeing our own children, parents, and neighbors go through this shakes me deeply.

‘Stockton is my home. These are our families. This is our community. 

‘Our community deserves to know the truth, and the families impacted deserve justice and every resource available to support them,’ he wrote. 

Lee said he was in contact with public safety officials and will be ‘pushing for answers.’

People were quick to express their horror and anguish of the night’s events, commenting on Lee’s post.

‘Stockton needs change so bad. This breaks my heart,’ one Facebook user said.

Another added: ‘Get these guns off the streets, this is terrible. Babies getting shot.’

Police taped off the area at a local shopping center which included a Dairy Queen

Several local agencies were on the scene including the mayor (center left), the district attorney’s office, and the sheriff’s office

A representative for the sheriff’s office said it could have been a ‘targeted incident’

Police said that injured victims have been transported to the area’s hospitals

While a third said: ‘Prayers to all and especially our babies that did not deserve to experience and witness such horror.’

Officers have warned residents to stay away from the area.

‘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’ they wrote on social media. 

‘Community assistance is vital in helping us identify those responsible and bring justice to the victims and their loved ones.’

Detectives are working to determine a motive. 

Stockton is located along the San Joaquin River in central California. It is located about 45 miles south of Sacramento and has a population of 320,000.

This is a breaking news story – check back for updates.