Nearly three weeks after a devastating mass shooting tore through a children’s birthday party in Stockton, California, rapper MBNel has broken his silence, offering a heartfelt and somber response to a tragedy that left four people dead, including three children, and more than a dozen others wounded.
The carnage unfolded one evening at a packed banquet hall where families had gathered to celebrate a toddler’s second birthday. As the crowd awaited the cake, gunfire erupted. Multiple masked attackers opened fire, spraying bullets indiscriminately into the crowd. In an instant, a scene of joy turned into chaos and heartbreak.
According to witness accounts and law enforcement sources, the assault may have been targeted at MBNel himself, whose presence at the party has been widely reported. Amid the panic, the gunfire claimed the lives of a 14‑year‑old boy and two 8‑year‑old girls, along with a 21‑year‑old man. Thirteen others were left with injuries ranging from critical to moderate.
In the aftermath, MBNel — who was among those struck — reportedly fled the scene and later went into hiding, shaken and fearful for his safety. His father later confirmed that both he and his wife were injured but survived.
When he finally addressed the public, MBNel’s message was spare but deeply emotional. He expressed his deepest condolences to the families forced to bury children, acknowledging that no words could make sense of what happened. He chose to speak not about speculation or controversy, but about the innocent lives lost, stressing that his focus remains on respect and care for the grieving families.
The shooting has heightened tensions and grief within the Stockton community, igniting outrage over gun violence and calls for urgent action to prevent similar tragedies. Local parents and community leaders have been left grappling with the senselessness of it all, haunted by the images of a celebration that exploded into horror with terrifying speed.
As the investigation continues, authorities have not publicly named suspects or motives, and multiple shooters are believed to have been involved. Critics and families alike are demanding answers, justice, and meaningful steps to protect children and neighborhoods from further bloodshed.