Manhunt Continues For California Gunman After 3 Children Pass Away At Birthday Party

A manhunt is underway to trace the gunman who killed three children and one adult at a toddler’s birthday party in California.

Authorities are urgently appealing to the public for information after the incident at a banquet hall in Stockton shortly before 6 p.m. on Saturday.

Three children, aged 8, 9, and 14, and a 21-year-old died in the incident, with a total of 15 people hit by gunfire.

The San Joaquin County Sheriff's Office said early indications suggest the attack was targeted, but investigators are exploring all possibilities.

Sheriff Patrick Withrow told reporters at a press conference Sunday that around 100 people had been gathered at the event to celebrate a child’s 2nd birthday.

Someone entered the hall and opened fire, and it is believed that gunfire continued outside, leading investigators to suspect there could have been multiple shooters.

Withrow urged anyone with information to contact the authorities. “This is a time for our community to show that we will not put up with this type of behavior, when people will just walk in and kill children,” he said.

“And so if you know anything about this, you have to come forward and tell us what you know. If not, you just become complacent and think this is acceptable behavior.”

Within hours of the shooting, Stockton police took five individuals, including a minor, into custody on firearms and gang-related offenses.

According to the sheriff, there was no evidence linking those arrests to the deadly incident at the banquet hall. Multiple firearms were also seized from the roof of the building, but it is not known if this is connected.

Police are appealing to anyone with additional information, video footage, or who may have witnessed any part of the incident to get in touch immediately.

California Governor Gavin Newsom said he had been briefed on the incident and sent his thoughts to all of those impacted.

Newsom shared a statement from his wife Jennifer, which read, “What happened in Stockton is devastating. The Governor and I are profoundly heartbroken knowing that those lost were children and young people.

“We’re holding Stockton, the families, and the entire community close to our hearts.”

Mayor Christina Fugazi appeared to link the incident to gang violence in a statement on social media, describing the perpetrators as terrorists.

“Gang violence exists in cities across the country, but this act was a pure act of terrorism. A complete, cowardly Terrorist Act!” Fugazi said.

“The person or people responsible will lose their freedom for life. But they also handed out a life sentence to their own families and to the people who may have loved them. Because once they are arrested, they will NEVER see the light of day again!

“And let me be very clear to anyone who hides, shields, or harbors these terrorists. You are putting yourself at risk of having your door kicked in, your home raided, and being arrested for aiding and abetting. If you protect them, you become part of this. And you will face the consequences.”

Fugazi announced that she is matching a $10,000 reward offered by Crimestoppers for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those involved.

With Councilwoman Mariela Ponce also contributing $5,000, there is now a $25,000 reward for information.

Fugazi earlier told reporters at a press conference that the 8-year-old victim attended a local school and counselors would be at city schools this week.

Roscoe Brown, who works for Stockton’s Office of Violence Prevention, told AP that the party was for his brother’s granddaughter, who was not injured in the attack.

Brown said his niece and nephew were shot, and he knew several victims, but did not have details about their conditions.

“Who would come and do that to some kids, you know?” Brown said. “You can’t shoot up a party. That’s senseless. A kid’s party, at that.”