A devastating domestic disturbance in Shreveport, Louisiana, has left eight children dead and two others injured, marking one of the deadliest mass shootings in the United States this year.
Police responded to a residence on West 79th Street shortly before 6:00 a.m. local time on Sunday, where they discovered the victims—all juveniles ranging in age from one to 14 years old. Authorities described the incident as domestic in nature, with some of the children related to the suspected shooter.
"We have hurting families, we have hurting police officers, coroners' personnel," said Shreveport Mayor Tom Arceneaux. "This affects the entire community, so we all mourn with these families."
The suspected gunman, identified as Shamar Elkins, fled the scene in a stolen vehicle after the shooting. Officers pursued him into neighboring Bossier Parish, where they engaged and killed him during the confrontation.
Shreveport Police Chief Wayne Smith expressed profound grief over the tragedy, stating, "I just cannot begin to imagine how such an event can occur." The investigation is being coordinated with Louisiana State Police and other agencies to determine the full circumstances.
Local officials highlighted the broader impact of domestic violence in the community. Councilman Grayson Boucher noted that domestic incidents already accounted for over 30% of crimes and murders in Shreveport before this shooting.
"We've more than doubled our homicide in the city of Shreveport because of one act of domestic violence," Boucher said.
Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry and House Speaker Mike Johnson both offered condolences and prayers for the victims' families and the Shreveport community. Landry also thanked law enforcement and first responders for their swift action.
According to the Gun Violence Archive, this incident represents the deadliest mass shooting in the U.S. since January 2024, when eight people were killed in Joliet, Illinois. The organization defines a mass shooting as an event where four or more victims are shot, excluding the suspect.