A mass shooting at a child's birthday party in Stockton, Northern California, on Saturday evening has resulted in the death of at least four individuals, with ten more sustaining injuries. The tragic event occurred at a restaurant in the northern city and involved both adults and children, although the conditions of the injured have not yet been disclosed.
The San Joaquin County Sheriff's Office reported that the shooting took place shortly before 6:00 PM local time (2:00 AM GMT on Sunday). The authorities are actively seeking assistance from the public, urging anyone with information, video footage, or those who may have been witnesses to the incident to come forward. Sheriff's Office spokeswoman Heather Brent labeled the event as 'unfathomable' and mentioned that the investigation is ongoing, with early signs suggesting the incident might have been targeted.
Stockton's Mayor Christina Fugazi expressed her sentiments, stating that such violence is 'unacceptable.' She highlighted that families should be spending time together instead of being in hospitals, anxiously hoping for their loved ones' recovery.
California is known for having some of the strictest firearm regulations in the United States. However, the state has faced challenges in recent years, including a 2021 decision by a federal judge to overturn the state's ban on assault weapons, such as the AR-15 rifle. Further complicating regulatory efforts, the US Supreme Court expanded gun rights in 2022, striking down a New York law that restricted gun-carrying rights, casting doubt on similar restrictions in California.