News / Politics / Society

Four people killed, 11 wounded in mass shooting at birthday party in California

Monday, 01 December 2025 8:34 AM [ Last Update: Monday, 01 December 2025 8:34 AM ]

First responders are seen near the scene of a mass shooting in Stockton, California, US, November 30, 2025. (Photo by AP)

Four people, including 3 children, have been killed and 11 others injured in a mass shooting at a birthday party in Stockton, California, authorities say.

Gunfire broke out inside a banquet hall on Sunday, where between 100 and 150 people had gathered to celebrate a child’s birthday, according to the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office.

The sheriff’s office said the shooting occurred shortly before 18:00 local time (0200 GMT on Sunday) and urged anyone with "information, video footage, or who may have witnessed any part of the incident" to come forward.

Spokesperson Heather Brent described the event as "unfathomable," adding, "This is a very active and ongoing investigation, and information remains limited. Early indications suggest this may be a targeted incident, and investigators are exploring all possibilities."

San Joaquin County Sheriff Patrick Withrow said the shooting appears to have started indoors before moving outside. Investigators have finished processing the scene and are reviewing the evidence.

Multiple vehicles were towed from the area, including some showing bullet damage, according to Withrow.

US protesters flood Tennessee statehouse, demand end to gun violence

More than a thousand protesters flooded Tennessee

He also noted that "some firearms" were found on the roof of the building, though it remains unclear whether they were linked to the shooting.

"We are going to say that we are confident that this was not a random act … They walked into this area and were probably looking for somebody in particular. Why they did that, what they are part of, who they are, we do not know," the sheriff said.

Stockton Mayor Christina Fugazi announced a $25,000 reward on Sunday for information leading to the arrest of the suspected shooter or shooters.

California has some of the strictest gun laws in the United States, but in recent years, these restrictions have faced challenges from the GOP and the National Rifle Association (NRA).

In 2021, a federal judge overturned the state’s ban on assault and automatic weapons, including AR-15 and AK-47 rifles.

The following year, the US Supreme Court expanded gun rights by striking down a New York law limiting gun-carrying rights, raising questions about similar regulations in California.

Press TV’s website can also be accessed at the following alternate addresses:

www.presstv.ir