Gang violence on the rise in children and teens, according to FBI

Gang Violence Incidents - Two gang-related shootings occurred over the holiday weekend, impacting children [1] - A 16-year-old was injured at Valley Fair Mall, and three children were killed in Stockton [1] - Eleven others were injured in the Stockton shooting [1] FBI Data on Gang Activity - The FBI reports that children aged 13 to 16 were the most reported victims and offenders of gang activity between 2021 and 2024 [2] - Over 19,000 children aged 13 to 16 committed gang-related crimes [3] - More than 2,000 children aged 12 and under also committed gang-related crimes [3] Legal Consequences and Juvenile Offenders - California laws are perceived as lacking meaningful consequences for gun violence, especially for juveniles [4] - California laws prevent state prosecutors from charging most minors as adults, even for violent offenses [4] - The system may be providing a perverse incentive for gangs to recruit children at younger ages due to lenient consequences for young repeat offenders [5] Specific Incidents - A 13-year-old gang member allegedly stabbed and killed a 15-year-old in San Jose on Valentine's Day [6] - Prosecutors suggest gangs may see recruiting children as a loophole to commit violence without consequences [6]