California Shooting: Four Dead, Ten Injured as Gunman Opens Fire at Stockton Banquet Hall

Stockton, California — 30 November 2025

A family celebration turned into tragedy in Stockton, California, after a gunman opened fire inside a banquet hall, killing four people and injuring ten others, including children.

According to CNN, the incident occurred shortly before 6 p.m. in the northern part of the city. Heather Brent, spokesperson for the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office, confirmed that the injured victims include both adults and children, though their medical conditions have not yet been disclosed.

Brent said initial evidence suggests the attack may have been targeted, but stressed that the case remains an active and ongoing investigation. The banquet hall, which shares a parking lot with several nearby businesses — including a Dairy Queen — was hosting a family event at the time.

Authorities reported that the suspected shooter fled the scene and remains at large. The Sheriff’s Office has appealed to the public for any information that might help identify the suspect or clarify the motive behind the attack.

This latest incident adds Stockton to the growing list of American communities hit by gun violence in routine settings such as schools, shopping centers, offices, and entertainment venues.

Data from the Gun Violence Archive shows that the U.S. has recorded more than 380 mass shootings so far this year — defined as incidents where four or more people are shot, excluding the perpetrator.

California Governor Gavin Newsom has been briefed and has offered full state support to the affected community.

Stockton Mayor Christina Fugazi expressed grief over the tragedy, urging the public to keep the victims and first responders in their thoughts and prayers