Authorities in California asked the public for tips Sunday in finding the person responsible for a shooting that left four people dead at a family gathering at a banquet hall in California, and wounded many more.
Faith leaders in the Stockton area were planning an afternoon vigil to honour the dead and pray for the 11 people who were wounded.
The victims who died ranged in age from eight to 21, said Heather Brent, a spokesperson for the San Joaquin County sheriff's office. Early indications "suggest this may have been a targeted incident," Brent said during a news conference at the scene.
Local officials said the suspected shooter has not been caught and pleaded with the public for help. Detectives were still working to identify a possible motive.
"If you have any information as to this individual, reach out immediately. If you are this individual, turn yourself in immediately," San Joaquin County District Attorney Ron Freitas said during a news conference.
The shooting occurred just before 6pm (local time) inside the banquet hall, which shares a parking lot with other businesses. Stockton is a city of 320,000 about 64km south of Sacramento.
"This is Thanksgiving weekend. This is when families come together, celebrate, share memories, give each other love," Mayor Christina Fugazi said. "Unfortunately tonight, heaven is a little bigger with the individuals, children and adults that unfortunately did not make it."
Fugazi recalled a shooting several years ago in which “seven people were gunned down” in the city, adding that both attacks were "unacceptable".
"Stockton is better than this,"she said.
Authorities did not immediately provide additional information about the conditions of the victims. Officials said earlier that several were taken to hospitals.
"Families should be together instead of at the hospital, standing next to their loved one, praying that they survive," Fugazi said
The morning's headlines in 90 seconds, including the aftermath of a deadly cyclone across Asia, pet bonds now an option for renters and the Black Foils fall at the final hurdle in their SailGP championship chase. (Source: Breakfast)
SHARE ME