STOCKTON, Calif. — In a devastating incident during a family gathering, four individuals were killed and ten were injured in a shooting at a banquet hall in Stockton, California, according to sheriff’s officials. Heather Brent, a spokesperson for the San Joaquin County sheriff's office, indicated that the victims included both children and adults and suggested that early indications point towards a targeted incident.

Local law enforcement has not apprehended the shooter, and they are urgently seeking the public's assistance in finding the individual responsible. San Joaquin County District Attorney Ron Freitas appealed for information during a news conference, urging anyone who might recognize the shooter to come forward and for the shooter to surrender.

The tragic shooting occurred shortly before 6 p.m. at the banquet hall, which is situated in a busy area that includes other businesses. With Stockton being a city of around 320,000 residents located approximately 40 miles south of Sacramento, the event has sent shockwaves throughout the community.

Mayor Christina Fugazzi expressed heartfelt condolences, stating that families should be celebrating together rather than gathering at hospitals, hoping their loved ones will survive. As of now, authorities have not released further details regarding the conditions of the wounded victims, though reports confirmed several were taken to local hospitals for treatment.