Khaberni - The city of Stockton in the state of California witnessed a tragic incident after a children's birthday party turned into a site of a mass shooting that resulted in the deaths of four people, including three children, and 15 others injured.
The San Joaquin County Police announced that the incident took place in the city of Stockton, and the Deputy Mayor Jason Lee explained in a post on social media that the incident occurred during a children's birthday party held in a rented event hall for the celebration, according to "People" magazine.
The police confirmed that the ages of the four victims were 8, 9, 14, and 21, while the number of people injured by gunfire reached 15, including a 9-year-old child who was taken to a hospital to receive necessary medical care. The police also noted that one of the injured is still in a "critical" condition.
The police mentioned that the investigation is still in its early stages, pointing out that initial indicators suggest that the attack was targeted and planned, while investigators continue to collect evidence and witness statements and work to identify the shooters.
Deputy Mayor Jason Lee expressed his shock in a post on Facebook, saying, "My heart is heavily burdened in a way that is hard to describe. A children's birthday party should not turn into a death scene. This is my city, and these are our people," and confirmed that he is in constant contact with security agencies to get details of the investigation, committing to uncover the truth and support the affected families.
Stockton Mayor Christina Fugazi said in a post on Instagram, "I couldn't sleep, what these families went through, and what the children witnessed, is beyond imagination."
Fugazi announced a reward of $25,000 for anyone who provides information leading to the arrest of the culprits, after a contribution from "Crime Stoppers" valued at $10,000, a similar amount from her, and an additional $5,000 from city council member Mariella Ponce.
