CALIFORNIA — At least four people were killed and ten others injured when a gunman opened fire at a child’s birthday party in the northern California city of Stockton on Saturday evening, authorities said.

The shooting took place at a restaurant shortly before 18:00 local time (02:00 GMT Sunday).

The San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office said victims include both adults and children, though the conditions of the injured have not yet been confirmed.

A suspect remains at large, and investigators believe the attack may have been targeted.

Sheriff’s spokeswoman Heather Brent described the incident as “unfathomable,” adding that the investigation is ongoing and information remains limited.

“Early indications suggest this may be a targeted incident, and investigators are exploring all possibilities,” Brent said. Officials urged anyone with video, information or eyewitness accounts to come forward.

Stockton Mayor Christina Fugazi condemned the attack, calling it “unacceptable,” and said families should be celebrating birthdays — not fearing for their lives.

California, which has some of the strictest gun laws in the United States, continues to face challenges over firearm regulations.

In recent years, federal court rulings have weakened several state-level restrictions, including the 2021 overturning of California’s assault-weapons ban and a 2022 U.S. Supreme Court decision expanding gun-carrying rights. — Agencies