Tragic Mass Shooting at Child's Birthday Party Leaves 4 Dead in Stockton
Tuesday, December 2, 2025
Four people, including three children aged 8, 9, and 14, were killed and 11 others injured in a targeted mass shooting at a 2-year-old's birthday party in Stockton, California. The attack, which authorities describe as gang-related terrorism, has devastated the community and prompted a multi-agency manhunt for suspects still at large.
The shooting occurred just before 6 p.m. Saturday at a banquet hall on Lucile Avenue, where 100-150 people had gathered for a child's birthday celebration during Thanksgiving weekend. Witnesses reported hearing gunfire lasting approximately one minute, with multiple shooters believed to be involved. The attack began inside the venue and continued outside, with firearms later discovered on the banquet hall roof. Stockton Mayor Christina Fugazi condemned the violence as "a pure act of terrorism" and emphasized that perpetrators would face life imprisonment. The San Joaquin County Sheriff's Office is leading the investigation with assistance from the FBI, ATF, and multiple local agencies. Community leaders, including Governor Gavin Newsom, have expressed profound grief, while faith leaders organized prayer vigils to support grieving families.
Key Facts
- - 15 total victims: 4 killed (ages 8, 9, 14, 21) and 11 hospitalized, including a 9-year-old in fair condition
- - Shooting occurred at approximately 5:51 p.m. Saturday at a banquet hall with 100-150 attendees celebrating a 2-year-old's birthday
- - Mayor Fugazi called it "a pure act of terrorism" and described it as targeted gang violence
- - Reward for information leading to arrest increased to $25,000 from Crime Stoppers, city officials, and councilwoman contributions
- - The 8-year-old victim was a Stockton Unified School District student; district will provide counseling at all 55 school sites