A child's birthday party in Stockton, California, was shattered by gunfire, turning a celebration into a scene of tragedy. At least four people were killed and ten others wounded in the shooting.
What began as a joyful gathering—with music, cake, and children playing—was interrupted by sudden, overwhelming gunshots.
Witnesses described panic as parents pulled children to the ground, shielding them. Some neighbors initially mistook the sounds for fireworks, but screams for help soon made the reality clear.
The street descended into chaos as neighbors rushed to aid the wounded and call for help. Police and paramedics responded quickly, securing the scene and transporting victims to hospitals.
Inside the home, families had been celebrating a young child's birthday, with no indication of impending danger. Investigators are working to determine whether the shooting was targeted or random.
City officials called the event one of the most disturbing in Stockton's recent history, striking at the heart of a community gathered to celebrate life. As the investigation continues, families mourn, children carry traumatic memories, and a neighborhood grapples with the loss of safety.
