A horrific mass shooting at a little girl’s birthday party in California has left three children and a young adult dead, with the town’s mayor calling the tragic incident “domestic terrorism” and blaming gang violence.
The deadly chaos unfolded just before 6 p.m. on Saturday at Monkey Space, a banquet hall in Stockton, roughly 40 miles south of Sacramento. A total of 15 victims were struck in the shocking attack, which authorities believe was a targeted incident.
Stockton Mayor Christina Fugazi told Fox40 that the shooting was related to gang violence, labeling it “domestic terrorism.” “Let’s call it what it is. This is domestic terrorism. This is gang violence, and it has to stop in our city,” Fugazi declared.
The mayor also revealed that President Donald Trump‘s advisers had called her early Sunday to offer their assistance, and she has asked the US District Attorney to find the gunman who remains on the run. The White House has not yet responded to requests for comment.
Multiple suspects sought as community reels from tragedy
Authorities are now looking for the possibility of multiple suspects, according to Heather Brent, a spokesperson for the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office. Neighbors claimed that gunfire appeared to sound off from multiple locations during the chaotic shooting.
The victims killed in the gunfire were shockingly young, aged just 8, 9, 14, and 21. The injured included children as young as 9 and went up to age 22, with one adult victim suffering only a minor injury. The condition of the others who were injured is not immediately clear.
Community leaders express anguish, call for justice
Faith leaders in Stockton planned an afternoon vigil on Sunday to honor the dead and pray for the wounded. The 8-year-old victim was a student at a local school, and counselors will be available this week to help those who are grieving.
Community leaders expressed their grave anguish at the young age of the slain victims. “They should be writing their Christmas lists right now. Their parents should be out shopping for them for Christmas. And to think that their lives are over. I can’t even begin to imagine what these families are going through. Breaks my heart,” Fugazi said.
Authorities have pleaded with anyone who has information on the murders to call the local Crime Stoppers number so justice can be served. District Attorney Ron Freitas urged the shooter to “turn yourself in immediately.”
Governor Newsom expresses heartbreak over young victims
Governor Gavin Newsom took to social media to express his condolences, posting on X: “Today, local authorities confirmed the victims of the Stockton shooting were just 8, 9, 14, and 21 years old — and that the attack was likely targeted. Our hearts break for their families, and the entire Stockton community.”
As the investigation continues and the hunt for the suspects intensifies, the Stockton community is left reeling from this senseless act of violence that has claimed the lives of innocent children and left families devastated. The nation watches on in horror as yet another mass shooting tears apart a community, with hopes that justice will be served swiftly for the young victims and their loved ones.
