A child’s birthday party in Stockton, California, meant to be a joyous festivity, ended in tragedy when gunfire erupted, leaving at least four people dead and ten others injured, according to early reports. What had been a happy gathering with balloons, cutlet, and children playing snappily turned into fear and confusion.

substantiations say the shots came suddenly, giving parents and cousins nearly no time to reply. numerous artificially pulled children to the ground and shielded them as chaos spread through the house and near road. At first, some neighbors believed the loud noises were fireworks, but the riots that followed made it clear commodity far more serious had happed.

exigency services arrived within twinkles as onlookers tried to help the injured and comfort those in shock. Victims were rushed to hospitals while police secured the area and began gathering information about what had passed.

Authorities are still probing whether the attack was targeted or arbitrary. For the families involved and the wider community, the festivity that was meant to mark a child’s special day has come a painful memorial of how snappily joy can turn into tragedy.