Officials said determining the motive and locating the shooter are the immediate priorities. Crime scene technicians worked under portable lighting as the area was cordoned off by yellow tape, and patrol units maintained a perimeter to prevent contamination of potential evidence. The Sheriff’s Office urged anyone with information to come forward, emphasizing that even minor details could assist the investigation.
Stockton, a city of roughly 320,000 residents in California’s Central Valley, lies about 45 miles south of Sacramento. The shooting marks one of the most severe episodes of gun violence in the region this year. The office of California Governor Gavin Newsom confirmed that the governor had been briefed and was monitoring developments.
Saturday’s attack follows a series of high-profile shootings across the United States in recent months, intensifying concerns about public safety at large gatherings. Data compiled by the Federal Bureau of Investigation indicate a steady rise in active shooter incidents nationwide, underscoring the challenges faced by law enforcement agencies and community leaders.
Witnesses described a scene of sudden chaos as shots rang out inside the hall, sending attendees scrambling for cover and searching for loved ones. First responders encountered a crowded and chaotic environment but were able to triage victims quickly and transport the injured to medical facilities. Hospitals in the Stockton area activated emergency protocols to handle the influx of patients.
Authorities did not immediately disclose the identities of those killed, pending notification of next of kin. The ages of the wounded span a wide range, reflecting the family-oriented nature of the event. Investigators are also working to establish where inside the building the shooting began and whether more than one firearm was used.
Detectives have appealed for dash-cam and cellphone footage from anyone in the vicinity between 5:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Saturday. They have also requested that nearby residents review home security videos for suspicious activity before or after the shooting. The Sheriff’s Office stated that all tips will remain confidential.
Imagem: Internet
Local officials expressed concern about the emotional impact on survivors and the broader community. Mental health services are expected to be offered to family members and witnesses grappling with trauma. Community organizations have begun coordinating support efforts, including blood donations for hospitalized victims and counseling services for those who witnessed the violence.
No indication was provided regarding the type of weapon used or how many rounds were fired. Ballistics experts were called to the scene to collect shell casings and analyze bullet trajectories. Results from those examinations could assist in tracing the firearm and potentially linking it to other crimes.
Traffic on nearby streets was diverted for several hours as detectives worked. Late into the night, crime scene vans, evidence markers, and law enforcement personnel remained visible outside the banquet hall, a one-story building located in a mixed residential-industrial neighborhood.
Authorities plan to release additional information once next of kin notifications are complete and investigators have a clearer understanding of the sequence of events. In the meantime, deputies continue to canvass the area, and patrols have been increased around similar venues as a precautionary measure.
Anyone with details related to the shooting is urged to contact the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office or submit anonymous tips through regional crime-stoppers hotlines.
Crédito da imagem: KXTV
