In the aftermath of a deadly shooting Saturday night near Stockton, elected officials are commenting on the tragedy that left at least four people dead and another 10 people injured.
Around 6 p.m. Saturday, San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office was called to a shooting that reportedly occurred in the 1900 block of Lucile Avenue in the Stockton area.
Sheriff’s spokesperson Heather Brent said that a family was celebrating inside a banquet hall in the area when gunfire erupted. Four people were killed and 10 people were injured, according to Brent.
Hours after the shooting, District Attorney Ron Freitas, Supervisor Paul Canepa, Mayor Christina Fugazi and Councilmember Michele Padilla spoke to the public Saturday night.
“Tragedy of this nature is unthinkable. It absolutely breaks our heart to have loss of life and to have loss of life to children in our community,” Freitas said. “Right now, we are doing everything possible to bring the individual to responsible for this to justice.”
The person responsible for the deadly shooting is still outstanding, according to law enforcement officers.
“This is Thanksgiving weekend,” Fugazi said. “This is when families come together to celebrate, share memories, give each other love. Unfortunately tonight, heaven is a little bigger with the children and adults who did not make it.”
Fugazi emphasized that “Stockton is better than this.”
“This type of violence, our city is better than that,” she said.
Canepa released a statement on behalf of the San Joaquin County Board of Supervisors late Saturday night.
“I am deeply shocked and saddened by the horrific tragedy that occurred in our community earlier this evening. On behalf of the entire Board of Supervisors, I want to extend our heartfelt condolences to the victims and their families. We stand united in our commitment to seek justice, and we have full confidence in our Sheriff’s Office and District Attorney as they work to identify and prosecute those responsible for this senseless act of violence.”
Gov. Gavin Newsom’s Office issued a statement on social media late Saturday night. The governor said he’s has been briefed on the “horrific shooting” in Stockton.
“The Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (@Cal_OES) is monitoring this evolving situation and coordinating with local law enforcement,” Newsom stated.
Rep. Josh Harder also took to social media Saturday night.
“I’m devastated at news of a mass shooting in Stockton, and Pam and I are praying for the victims and their families. My office is carefully monitoring this situation and in close contact with local law enforcement.”
Former Stockton Mayor Michael Tubbs called the shooting an “atrocity.”
“My heart goes out to the families and the victims of the atrocity that happened tonight in my hometown of Stockton,” he stated on Facebook. “Stockton residents deserve to live in a safe city and young people deserve to believe that they can reach adulthood.”
Tubbs went on to say that gun violence is preventable.
“As we pray and mourn, we have to be clear that change just won’t happen. It’ll take work, truth, accountability, and belief that things can be better. Gun violence is preventable. We’ve had years where we have had reduced shootings and homicides in Stockton. We can do it. We must do it. Nihilism must not win. It will take more strategy and more action than words and vigils. But yes. tonight we grieve, we mourn, and we are reminded of the work that is left to be done.”
District 5 Councilmember Brando Villapudua shared a statement on Facebook.
“My heart is heavy tonight as I share this heartbreaking news with our community,” he said. “This is a devastating moment for Stockton and for every family directly affected. I am keeping all of them in my prayers, especially the loved ones now facing unbearable pain and uncertainty.”
If anyone has any information that could assist in this investigation, please call the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office at (209) 468-4400.
“Please rely on verified information — rumor and speculation do not help our community heal or move forward,” Canepa stated in a social media post.
This article originally appeared on The Record: Stockton, California reaction to deadly shooting in Stockton area
Reporting by Victoria Franco and Sheyanne N Romero, The Stockton Record / The Record
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
