A California mass shooting that left three children and a young adult dead at a little girl’s birthday party was gang-related, according to the town’s mayor.
A total of 15 victims were struck when the deadly chaos unfolded just before 6 p.m. on Saturday at Monkey Space, a banquet hall in Stockton, roughly 40 miles south of Sacramento, Fox40 reported.
Stockton Mayor Christina Fugazi told the outlet the shooting was related to gang violence, labeling the tragic incident “domestic terrorism.”
“Let’s call it what it is. This is domestic terrorism. This is gang violence, and it has to stop in our city,” Fugazi told the outlet.
She also added that President Donald Trump’s advisers had called her early Sunday to offer their assistance — and that she has asked the US District Attorney to find the gunman who remains on the lam.
The White House did not immediately respond to The Post’s request for comment.
Authorities were originally “looking for one suspect. Now, we’re looking for a possibility of multiple,” Heather Brent, a spokesperson for the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office, told the outlet.
Neighbors claimed that gunfire appeared to sound off from multiple locations during the chaotic shooting, KCRA reported.
Those killed in the gunfire were ages 8, 9, 14 and 21, police said.
The injured included a 9, 12, and 15-year-old, and went up to age 22, the Sacramento Beeand a local pol added.
The injured 9-year-old was listed in “fair condition,” with one adult victim suffering only a minor injury. The condition of the others who were injured is not immediately clear.
The shooting appeared to be a “targeted” attack, Brent previously told reporters.
“This is a very active and ongoing investigation, and information remains limited,” she said. ”Early indications suggest this may be a targeted incident, and investigators are exploring all possibilities.”
Faith leaders in Stockton planned an afternoon vigil on Sunday to honor the dead and pray for the wounded.
The 8-year-old victim was a student at a local school and had a parent who worked for the Stockton Unified School District. Counselors will be available this week at city schools to help those who are grieving, Fugazi told reporters on Sunday.
Community leaders expressed their grave anguish at the young age of the slain victims.
“They should be writing their Christmas lists right now. Their parents should be out shopping for them for Christmas. And to think that their lives are over. I can’t even begin to imagine what these families are going through. Breaks my heart,” Fugazi said.
Authorities have pleaded with anyone who has information on the murders to call the local Crime Stoppers number so justice can be served.
District Attorney Ron Freitas urged the shooter to “turn yourself in immediately.”
“Today, local authorities confirmed the victims of the Stockton shooting were just 8, 9, 14, and 21 years old — and that the attack was likely targeted. Our hearts break for their families, and the entire Stockton community,” Gov. Gavin Newsom posted on X.
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