Mayor Christina Fugazi’s home in Stockton, California, was struck by a stray bullet during a gang-related shooting on the night of October 18, according to her office. The incident, which authorities have confirmed is not targeted or politically motivated, unfolded as police responded to reports of gunfire in the area. Two teenagers were injured in the shooting, suffering non-life-threatening wounds, while a bullet from the same incident struck the mayor’s residence. No arrests have been made, and the case remains under investigation by the Stockton Police Department.
Fugazi, who has publicly credited the city’s law enforcement and crime reduction initiatives for the nearly 50% decrease in crime this year, described the event as alarming. She expressed relief that her family was unharmed but highlighted the unsettling reality that ‘none of us are immune’ from the impact of crime. The mayor initially mistook the sound of gunfire for fireworks before receiving a notification from the police that the incident was a shooting. She later confirmed the physical evidence, including a hole in her home’s window and shell casings found on the property.
While the mayor emphasized her gratitude for the Stockton Police Department’s swift response and continued efforts to reduce crime, the incident has raised questions about the ongoing challenges in urban safety, even in areas with significant progress in crime reduction. The Stockton Police Department noted that they cannot confirm the identities of the victims due to victim confidentiality, though the mayor has publicly identified herself as a resident of the home. Fugazi’s comments have added renewed urgency to the city’s commitment to ensuring safety for all its residents, reinforcing her stance on the importance of community policing and violence prevention programs.