A celebratory gathering at a Stockton banquet hall turned into a scene of terror and tragedy when gunfire erupted, leaving one man dead and ten others wounded in what authorities are describing as a targeted attack.
The Night of Violence
The shooting occurred around 11:23pm on Saturday, November 29, 2025 at the Venezuela Banquet Hall located in the 2100 block of Waterloo Road in Stockton, California. According to Stockton Police Department spokesman Officer Joseph Silva, the incident unfolded when multiple suspects opened fire on attendees during a private event.
Officer Silva confirmed the devastating toll: One adult male was pronounced dead at the scene, while ten other victims sustained gunshot wounds of varying severity. The victims were transported to multiple local hospitals for emergency treatment, with several reported to be in critical condition following the attack.
Police Investigation and Community Response
Law enforcement officials have revealed that the shooting appeared to be targeted rather than random, though the specific motive remains under active investigation. The suspects fled the scene before police arrival, and authorities are currently pursuing multiple leads in their search for those responsible.
Stockton Police have established a significant presence in the area, with crime scene investigators meticulously processing evidence throughout Sunday. The department has appealed to the public for any information that could assist in identifying and locating the perpetrators.
This latest incident adds to Stockton's troubling history of gun violence, coming just over two years after the city experienced a series of connected shootings in 2022 that left six people dead and one wounded. Community leaders have expressed renewed concerns about public safety and the persistent challenge of gun crime in the region.
Aftermath and Ongoing Developments
The Venezuela Banquet Hall, typically a venue for celebrations and community gatherings, has become the latest location added to California's growing list of mass shooting sites. The establishment remains closed as the investigation continues, with police maintaining a security perimeter around the property.
Local residents and community organisations have begun organising vigils and support services for the victims and their families. City officials have promised a thorough investigation and increased police patrols in the surrounding neighbourhoods as the hunt for the shooters intensifies.
As of Sunday afternoon, no arrests have been made, and police have not released detailed descriptions of the suspects. The Stockton Police Department urges anyone with information about the shooting to contact their tip line immediately as they work to bring those responsible to justice.
