On the evening of November 29, 2025, the city of Stockton, California, was shaken to its core by a mass shooting that left four people dead and at least ten others wounded. The tragedy unfolded just before 6 p.m. at a banquet hall on the 1900 block of Lucile Avenue, where families had gathered for what should have been a joyful occasion. Instead, gunfire erupted, turning a celebration into a scene of chaos and heartbreak.
According to the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office, the victims ranged in age from as young as eight to young adults in their early twenties. Heather Brent, the sheriff’s office spokesperson, described the scene as “unfathomable,” noting that both children and adults were among the victims. She told reporters, “Our hearts go out to those victims and their families and the community.” Early indications, Brent added, suggested the attack may have been targeted, though as of Sunday evening, no suspect had been identified or apprehended. Detectives continued to work tirelessly to determine a motive, with law enforcement agencies urging anyone with information to come forward.
The magnitude of the tragedy, coming on the heels of Thanksgiving weekend—a time typically reserved for family and reflection—deeply affected the city’s leadership and residents. Stockton Mayor Christina Fugazi was visibly emotional during a news conference at the scene. She stated, “Tonight our city is facing a heartbreaking and painful situation. According to the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office, 14 people have been shot and four lives have been tragically lost near the 1900 block of Lucile Ave.” She emphasized the shock of the event, noting, “This is Thanksgiving weekend. This is when families come together, celebrate, share memories, give each other love. Unfortunately tonight, heaven is a little bigger with the individuals, children and adults that unfortunately did not make it.”
Mayor Fugazi also highlighted the professionalism and rapid response of first responders, law enforcement, and medical teams who rushed to the scene and provided immediate aid. She assured the community that every available resource was being deployed to support the investigation and the victims’ families. “As Mayor, I am ensuring every necessary resource is available and that our city supports this effort at every level. Right now, our focus must remain on the victims, their families, and the safety of the community,” Fugazi said.
Vice Mayor Jason Lee echoed the mayor’s sentiments, expressing both devastation and resolve. “Tonight, my heart is heavy in a way that’s hard to put into words. As Vice Mayor of Stockton—and as someone who grew up in this community—I am devastated and angry to learn about the mass shooting at a child’s birthday party. An ice cream shop should never be a place where families fear for their lives,” Lee wrote online. He called for unity and urged the community to support the grieving families, saying, “We must come together—community, council, and leadership—to support these families and help bring closure, accountability, and healing.”
Other city officials and community leaders also spoke out. Councilmember Michele Padilla confirmed that officers responded at about 5:51 p.m. and found multiple victims in different locations. She stated, “It is with a heavy heart that I share that there are at least 14 confirmed victims, and at least 4 individuals have tragically lost their lives. Victims age between 8-22 years old. My deepest prayers are with the families in pain right now.” San Joaquin County Supervisor Paul Canepa extended condolences on behalf of the Board of Supervisors and called for unity in seeking justice. “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,” Canepa said.
State and federal officials responded swiftly as well. California Governor Gavin Newsom was briefed on the situation and promised his office’s full support. The Governor’s Office of Emergency Services began coordinating with local law enforcement, and a statement from the governor’s press office acknowledged the gravity of the situation: “Gavin Newsom has been briefed on the horrific shooting in Stockton. The Governor’s Office of Emergency Services is monitoring this evolving situation and coordinating with local law enforcement.”
San Joaquin County District Attorney Ron Freitas spoke directly to the community and the perpetrator, stating, “Tragedy of this nature is unthinkable. And it absolutely breaks our heart. Right now, we are doing everything possible to bring the individual that's responsible for this to justice.” He urged anyone with information to reach out immediately, adding, “If you have any information as to this individual, reach out immediately. If you are this individual, turn yourself in immediately.”
The investigation is being led by the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office, with support from the Stockton Police Department, the FBI, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and other agencies. Authorities have not ruled out any possibilities and continue to search for clues that might reveal a motive or lead them to the suspect. The community has been asked to provide any information that could assist in the investigation, with anonymous tips encouraged through local hotlines.
Stockton, a city of around 320,000 residents located roughly 40 to 45 miles south of Sacramento, has faced its share of challenges with gun violence in recent years. Yet, as former Mayor Michael Tubbs remarked, “Stockton residents deserve to live in a safe city and young people deserve to believe that they can reach adulthood. 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.”
The pain of the tragedy was felt far beyond Stockton’s city limits. U.S. Representative Josh Harder stated, “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.” U.S. Senator Adam Schiff added, “Heartbroken to learn of a mass shooting and the loss of four innocent lives at a family gathering in Stockton. My thoughts are with the families of the victims, including the ten who were injured. Closely monitoring developments about the suspected shooter, who still remains at large.”
As the investigation continues and the community mourns, the message from city leaders, state officials, and residents is clear: Stockton will not let this tragedy define it. The people of Stockton are determined to support the victims, seek justice, and work together to build a safer future. In the words of Councilmember Padilla, “This is a very hard evening for Stockton, and we all need to look out for one another.”
