Three children killed in mass shooting at US birthday party as suspect remains on the loose
Three children are among those killed in a mass shooting at a little girl’s birthday party. The gunman is still on the loose.
Four people, including three children, have been killed in what police believe was a “targeted” shooting at a girl’s birthday party in the US.
The shooting broke out just before 6pm on Saturday at the Monkey Space banquet hall in Stockton, Northern California, the Sacramento Bee reported.
Three children aged eight, nine and 14, and an adult, aged 21, were killed in the shooting, a spokesperson for the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office said on Sunday.
Eleven others, including a nine-year-old, were injured in the shooting.
The alleged gunman, who has not been officially named, fled the scene and remains at large.
“This is a very active and ongoing investigation, and information remains limited,” San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Heather Brent told reporters.
“Early indications suggest this may be a targeted incident, and investigators are exploring all possibilities.
“Detectives are actively working to determine the circumstances leading up to this tragedy.”
“Our number one priority is identifying the suspect in this incident,” Ms Brent added.
“We’re very grateful for our local law enforcement agencies; we have called out several agencies to come out and assist.”
Detectives are urging anyone with information to contact the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office.
“Whoever did this, if you know them … please call Crime Stoppers. You can leave an anonymous tip. We’ve got work to do and this type of violence, again, our city is better than that,” said Stockton Mayor Christina Fugazi.
California Governor Gavin Newsom’s Office released a statement on social media late Saturday.
“The Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (@Cal_OES) is monitoring this evolving situation and co-ordinating with local law enforcement,” Mr Newsom stated.
‘This shakes me deeply’
Stockton’s vice mayor Jason Lee said the shooting has left him “devastated and angry”.
“Tonight, my heart is heavy in a way that’s hard to put into words,” he wrote on Facebook.
“An ice cream shop 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. Stockton is my home. These are our families. This is our community.
“Our community deserves to know the truth, and the families impacted deserve justice and every resource available to support them.”
Originally published as Three children killed in mass shooting at US birthday party as suspect remains on the loose
