Victims of Mass Violence Survivor Fund

VTV Family Outreach Foundation Mourns Victims of Stockton, California Family Gathering Shooting

Centreville, VA — VTV Family Outreach Foundation is heartbroken by reports of yet another mass shooting, this time at a family gathering and a child’s birthday party in Stockton, California, where at least four people were killed, and ten others were wounded.

“Families gathered to celebrate a child’s life should never have to run for cover or grieve loved ones,” said Jennifer Herbstritt, President of VTV Family Outreach Foundation. “As families who have also lost loved ones to gun violence, we understand the shock, the unanswered questions, and the lifelong grief and recovery these families, individuals, and communities face. Our hearts are with every parent, child, neighbor, and first responder impacted by this tragedy.”

Mass shootings at homes, schools, businesses, places of worship, and community events have made it clear that gun violence is not confined to any one city or state. When violence erupts in spaces meant for joy and connection, like a birthday party, it leaves deep emotional wounds that will last long after the cameras are gone.

The VTVCare mission urges local, state, and federal leaders to move beyond “thoughts and prayers” and to enact and pass evidence-based policies proven to reduce gun violence and save lives. If our leadership cannot prevent gun violence and implement community-based violence intervention initiatives, then they must invest sustainably in long-term survivor services, as done in Virginia and Maine after mass shootings. 

“In honor of those killed and injured in Stockton and in honor of our own loved ones, we refuse to accept that this level of violence is normal or inevitable,” Herbstritt continued. “We owe these families more than condolences. We owe them action.”

VTVCare stands in solidarity with the Stockton community and with survivor-support organizations on the ground. The Foundation remains committed to advancing policies, resources, and trauma-informed care for all those whose lives have been forever changed by gun violence.

For more information or to connect with survivor resources and policy information, visit www.vtvcare.org

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 About VTV Family Outreach Foundation

VTV Family Outreach Foundation (vtvcare.org) is a nonprofit organization founded by the families and survivors of the mass shooting at Virginia Tech on April 16, 2007. The Foundation works to honor victims, support survivors, and advance evidence-based solutions to prevent future tragedies through advocacy, education, and advocating for sustainable long-term financial care initiatives for mass gun violence survivors in every state.