At least four die in California birthday party shooting

(MENAFN) At least four people have been killed and ten others injured in a mass shooting at a child’s birthday party in Stockton, California, on Saturday evening. The victims, which include both adults and children, were attending a gathering at a restaurant when gunfire broke out. The condition of the injured remains unclear, and authorities are still investigating the circumstances surrounding the shooting.

Local police believe the incident may have been "targeted," though no suspects have been arrested yet. The San Joaquin County Sheriff's Office confirmed the shooting occurred just before 6:00 p.m. local time (2:00 a.m. GMT) and has launched an appeal for anyone with information, video footage, or witnesses to come forward.

Heather Brent, a spokesperson for the sheriff’s office, called the incident "unfathomable" and emphasized that it is an ongoing investigation. "Early indications suggest this may be a targeted incident, and investigators are exploring all possibilities," she stated.

Stockton’s Mayor, Christina Fugazi, condemned the shooting as "unacceptable," expressing sorrow for the families affected. "Families should be together instead of at the hospital, standing next to their loved one, praying that they survive," Fugazi said.

California, known for having some of the strictest gun laws in the United States, continues to grapple with challenges related to firearm regulations. In recent years, the state has seen significant legal battles over its gun laws, including the overturning of its assault weapon ban in 2021 and a 2022 Supreme Court decision expanding gun-carrying rights, which threatens similar regulations in California.

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