Stockton, California – A children’s birthday party in Stockton, California, turned tragic Saturday evening when a shooting left at least four people dead and ten others injured. the incident occurred at a restaurant around 6:00 PM local time on November 30, 2025.
The victims included both adults and children, according to police. Authorities are searching for the shooter and believe the attack was targeted. San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Heather Brent described the event as “unthinkable,” adding that the investigation is ongoing. “Initial indications show that this is most likely a targeted incident,” Brent stated.
The shooting underscores the ongoing crisis of gun violence in the United States,even in spaces intended for family celebrations. Stockton Mayor Christina Fugazi condemned the tragedy, saying, “This is unacceptable. Families should be enjoying time together, not being in hospital waiting to hear whether their loved one is safe.”
California has some of the nation’s strictest gun laws, but recent legal challenges have weakened those regulations. In 2021, a federal judge overturned a ban on assault weapons like AR-15s, and a 2022 Supreme Court decision expanded the right to bear arms, raising concerns about the state’s ability to control gun violence.
Police are appealing to the public for any recordings or facts related to the shooting. The investigation continues as the community grapples with the aftermath of this devastating event.
(REUTERS/Fred Greaves)
(wur)