STOCKTON SHOOTING: Harder Delivers Emotional Tribute to Stockton Mass Shooting Victims on U.S. House Floor
Deadliest mass shooting in California in 2025
Above: Harder speaks on the U.S. House floor about Saturday’s mass shooting in Stockton
Harder working closely with local law enforcement, urging community to help deliver justice for victims
WASHINGTON – Today, following Saturday’s horrific mass shooting in Stockton that took the lives of three children and a young adult while injuring 13 others, Rep. Josh Harder (CA-09) took to the U.S. House to deliver an emotional tribute and hold a moment of silence for the victims and their families. According to the Gun Violence Archive, Saturday’s shooting was the deadliest mass shooting in California this year.
“This was supposed to be a moment of celebration and instead it became a nightmare that has rocked our community to its core,” said Rep. Harder. “As a dad, I cannot fathom the pain these families are feeling right now. Pam and I are praying for the victims, their families, and our community. We are and always will be Stockton Strong.”
Harder, who is a working parent with two young children, was devastated at news of the attack and is working with local law enforcement to help deliver justice for Stockton families.
The transcript of Harder’s remarks delivered on the U.S. House floor is available below:
“Thank you Mister Speaker.
“I rise today because this weekend my community in Stockton, California was shaken by a horrific mass shooting.
“Families were gathered at a banquet hall for a two year old’s birthday party. They were about to cut the cake when gun shots rang out. Four people were killed, including three kids. They were 8, 9, and 14 years old. 13 more were injured.
“Think about that for a second. As a dad, I cannot fathom the pain these families are feeling right now.
“This was supposed to be a moment of celebration and instead it became a nightmare that has rocked our community to its core.
“Mister Speaker, I ask for a moment of silence to honor the victims, including Amari, Susano, Maya, Journey, and their families as they navigate this tragedy.
“My wife Pam and I are praying for the victims, their families, and our community. We are and always will be Stockton Strong.
“Thank you, and I yield back.”
Watch the full speech here.
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