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Four people have been killed in a shooting during a child’s birthday party in California, US.
The shooting occurred around 6pm on Saturday inside a banquet hall in Stockton, a city in California’s Central Valley.
Heather Brent, a spokesperson for the San Joaquin county sheriff’s office, said another 10 people were injured in the incident.
She said children are among the victims of the attack, which “may have been a targeted incident”.
Jason Lee, vice mayor of Stockton, said it was disheartening that the shooting took place at a child’s birthday party.
“A birthday party should never be a place where families fear for their lives. Violence touched my life as a young person, and seeing our own children, parents, and neighbours go through this shakes me deeply,” Lee said.
Local authorities said the suspected shooter has not been caught, and a possible motive is yet to be ascertained.
“If you have any information as to this individual, reach out immediately. If you are this individual, turn yourself in immediately,” Ron Freitas, San Joaquin county district attorney, said.
Christina Fugazi, mayor of Stockton, said the city will not spare resources to save the lives of hospitalised victims.
“As mayor, I am ensuring every necessary resource is available and that our city supports this effort at every level. Right now, our focus must remain on the victims, their families, and the safety of the community,” she said.
“Families should be together instead of at the hospital, standing next to their loved one, praying that they survive.”
