Stockton community bands together to pray for mass shooting victims; former mayor reveals close ties

STOCKTON, Calif. (KGO) — Community members and faith leaders banded together Sunday in Stockton to honor the dead and pray for the wounded after mass shooting Saturday that left four dead and 11 injured.

“Our hearts made heavy. Our hearts have been grieving because of loss of innocent lives,” said one pastor.

It was heartache and heartbreak Sunday afternoon.

About 150 people huddled together to pray for the families of those shot and killed and for the City of Stockton.

Authorities say three of the four people killed were children, ages 8, 9 and 14. A 21-year-old was also killed and eleven more were hurt in the mass shooting at a child’s birthday party at a banquet hall.

Pastor Pam Houston with God’s Church City of David said she was celebrating her grandmother’s 90th birthday in Texas when she got word of the tragedy.

“No family deserves to endure such trauma, loss or senseless violence,” Houston said.

Many leaders are demanding the community take action to bring the suspected shooter or shooters to justice.

“These animals walked in and shot children at a children’s birthday party. None of us should stand for that. If you know anything about this, you have to come forward and tell us what you know,” said Sheriff Patrick Withrow of San Joaquin County.

One of the injured is in critical condition — the others are stable, according to authorities.

“I’ve prayed all night. I’ve been at the hospital till early this morning with the families praying,” said Pastor Trena Turner of Victory in Praise Church.

Former Stockton Mayor Michael Tubbs currently serves as a special adviser for economic mobility and opportunity for Gov. Gavin Newsom. He says he knew one of the shooting victims and talked to them Sunday morning.

“That person has no gang affiliation, is a community volunteer, was there as a friend of the family celebrating a beautiful milestone — a child got one year older,” Tubbs said.

Tubbs said that person is still in a state of shock after almost losing their life.

“Luckily that person survived but that person has to live with the trauma of seeing a massacre at a baby’s birthday party in their hometown,” Tubbs said.

Tubbs said this shooting raises some big questions and the need for some critical action.

“The focus has to be on bringing those community atrocities to justice for sure,” he said. “The community of Stockton has to continue have the conversation about how do we get to being a safe community.”

Tubbs said there has to be a comprehensive plan, a strategy to stop the violence in Stockton.

Stockton Mayor Christina Fugazi announced a $25,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of the suspect(s).