A child’s birthday celebration in Stockton, California, became a scene of horror Saturday evening after gunmen killed four people and left nearly a dozen others wounded.

The brazen attack, which authorities believe was targeted, has triggered a massive manhunt and sent waves of shock through the community. The core question for investigators now is not just who pulled the triggers, but why a family gathering was deliberately turned into a killing field.

The shooting erupted shortly before 6 p.m. at a banquet hall where over 100 people were gathered. San Joaquin County Sheriff Patrick Withrow confirmed that the deceased victims were aged eight, nine, 14, and 21. At least one of the 11 wounded remains in critical condition.

A Vow to Hunt Down 'Animals'

Investigators believe there were multiple shooters and that the violence began inside the hall before spilling outside. While no motive has been officially confirmed, Sheriff Withrow stated he was confident the attack was not random. "These animals walked in and shot children at a children's birthday party," Withrow declared at a news conference. "None of us should stand for that."

The tragedy has left the local community reeling, with many grappling with the senseless loss of young lives. Stockton Mayor Christina Fugazi expressed her heartbreak, noting the children "should be writing their Christmas lists right now."

An Urgent Appeal for Information

Authorities are making an urgent appeal to the public for any information, including mobile phone or surveillance footage, that could lead to an arrest. "If you have surveillance footage, if you're a local business here, if you're in the area, live in the area, or maybe you've heard rumors – please contact the sheriff’s office,” urged spokesperson Heather Brent.

• Fatalities: 4 (Ages 8, 9, 14, 21)
• Injured: 11
• Location: A banquet hall on Lucile Avenue, Stockton, CA
• Suspects: Multiple shooters, still at large

While the violence occurred thousands of kilometres away, the incident serves as a grim reminder of the devastating impact of gun violence on families and communities. As the search for the perpetrators continues, a city is left to mourn and demand justice for its youngest victims. Sheriff Withrow vowed to find those responsible, stating, "I put down my grandbabies, to come hunt down these animals who took somebody else's babies away from them."