At least four people were killed and 11 others were wounded in a shooting at a family party in Stockton, California, on Nov. 29, according to local police.

Gunfire erupted inside a banquet hall in California’s Central Valley, where between 100 and 150 people had gathered to celebrate a child’s birthday party, the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office said.

Several of the 15 victims, including children and adults, were taken to local hospitals. Four have been confirmed dead, including three children, ages eight, nine and 14, as well as a 21-year-old. Heather Brent, a spokesperson for the sheriff’s office, said early indications suggest the shooting may have been a “targeted incident.” Police are still searching for the shooting suspect and said they are pursuing all possible leads.

Here’s what we know so far.

What happened?

As of 11 a.m. PT, the sheriff’s office said during a news conference it had limited information about the shooting.

Police received reports of gunfire at the banquet hall shortly before 6 p.m. Nov. 29. The shooting broke out during a child’s birthday party attended by betwen 100 and 150 people, the Sheriff's offic said. It occurred at a shopping mall complex that includes a Dairy Queen, a donut shop and an Asian restaurant.

"They were coming together as a family, having a time to enjoy," Brent said.

San Joaquin District Attorney Ron Frietas said at a Nov. 29 news conference, shortly after the incident, that the suspect was still at large. Officials asked anyone with information to contact the sheriff’s office.

“This is a very active and ongoing investigation," Brent said at the news conference.

How have officials responded?

Gov. Gavin Newsom’s office issued a statement on social media hours after the shooting, calling it a “horrific” incident. The governor said he was monitoring the situation and coordinating with local officials.

Stockton is located about 45 minutes south of the state capital, Sacramento, where Newsom lives. The city has a population of about 320,000, according to the latest Census data. It has one of the highest rates of violent crime of all municipalities in California. In 2024, there were 51 homicides in Stockton, according to data collected by California's attorney general.

Mayor Christina Fugazi called the shooting “unacceptable” during a news conference.

“This is Thanksgiving weekend. This is when families come together, celebrate, share memories, and give each other love,” she said. “Unfortunately tonight, heaven is a little bigger with the individuals, children and adults that unfortunately did not make it.”

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 3 children among those killed in shooting at birthday party. What we know.

Reporting by Karissa Waddick, James Ward, Victoria Franco and Elizabeth Roberts, USA TODAY / USA TODAY

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