Louisiana Gunman Kills Eight Children, Including Seven of His Own, in Shreveport Mass Shooting

Shreveport: A gunman in the US state of Louisiana killed eight children — including seven of his own — and wounded two adults before being shot dead by police in what authorities described as a domestic violence incident.

The shooting unfolded across two homes in Shreveport early Sunday, according to the Shreveport Police Department.

Police spokesperson Chris Bordelon said the victims ranged in age from one to about 12 years old. One of the injured adults was the mother of the suspect’s children.

Authorities identified the suspect as Shamar Elkins. He was killed after fleeing the scene, carjacking a vehicle at gunpoint and leading officers on a chase. Police opened fire during the pursuit.

Investigators said the motive remains unclear, but detectives believe the shooting was “entirely a domestic incident.”

“This is an extensive scene, unlike anything most of us have ever seen,” Bordelon said.

Police said Elkins had prior contact with law enforcement and was arrested in 2019 in a firearms case, though no other domestic violence history was immediately known.

Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry said he and his wife were heartbroken and praying for those affected.

Shreveport Mayor Tom Arceneaux called it “maybe the worst tragic situation we’ve ever had.”

US House Speaker Mike Johnson, a Shreveport native, said the community was in his thoughts and prayers.

According to the Gun Violence Archive, the United States has recorded at least 119 mass shootings this year, excluding the Shreveport attack.