• Four killed, including three children, in family gathering in California
• Search for suspect ongoing

At least four people, including three children, were killed in a mass shooting during a family gathering in California, U.S., according to authorities.

A spokesperson for the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office stated that the victims were aged 8, 9, 14, and 21, while 11 others were injured in the incident, which occurred inside a restaurant in Stockton, in the northern part of the state.

The suspect remains at large, and authorities believe the incident may have been “targeted” and possibly carried out by more than one person.

The city’s deputy mayor previously said the attack happened “during a children’s birthday party.”

Deputy Mayor Jason Lee added on social media: “A birthday party should not be a place where people fear for their lives.”

The San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office noted that the shooting occurred before 6 p.m. local time and urged anyone with “information, video recordings, or who witnessed any part of the incident” to come forward.

Spokesperson Heather Brent described the incident as “tragic,” confirming that the investigation is ongoing and that available information remains limited.

She added: “Preliminary indications suggest the incident may have been targeted, and investigations continue to explore all possibilities.”

Stockton Mayor Christina Fugazi called the incident “unacceptable,” stating: “Families should be together, not in hospitals, standing by their loved ones and praying for survival.”

Local residents told media they heard gunfire for about a minute, noting they heard multiple shooters.

Sheriff Patrick Withrow explained: “There are indications of more than one shooter,” but investigators need to confirm this.

Emmanuel Lopez said his 21-year-old brother, Susano Archuelita, was among the dead, noting that he was shot in the neck and died at the scene.

He added: “I am very angry right now. My brother died in my arms; he was full of life and energy.”

He also mentioned that his 9-year-old daughter was among the injured but survived after being shot in the head.

Patricia Flores, the victim’s aunt, described the brother of her friend’s son who attended the party, saying: “He was a kind boy who went to celebrate his friend’s daughter’s birthday.”