At least eight children were killed and two adults wounded in a mass shooting in Shreveport, Louisiana, in what police have described as a 'domestic violence incident'. The suspect, Shamar Elkins, fatally shot seven of his own children and another child, according to police spokesperson Chris Bordelon.
The victims ranged in age from one to about 12 years old. The children's mother and another woman are in critical condition. Elkins died after a police pursuit, having also committed a carjacking. Police Chief Wayne Smith confirmed that officers fatally shot Elkins.
The violence occurred early on Sunday in the Cedar Grove neighbourhood, with at least four separate but nearby scenes involved. Investigators have not discussed a motive but said the incident appeared domestic in nature. Elkins had been arrested in 2019 in a firearms case.
Shreveport Mayor Tom Arceneaux called it 'maybe the worst tragic situation we've had' in recent memory. US House Speaker Mike Johnson, whose district includes Shreveport, said the violence was 'heartbreaking' and that his team was in touch with local law enforcement.
Neighbour Liza Demming told the Associated Press that her security camera captured the gunman running away. She later saw a covered child's body on the roof of a house. Pastor Marty T Johnson Sr of St Gabriel Community Baptist Church owns the home where the shootings occurred but said he did not know the family.
Representative Cleo Fields, whose district includes part of Shreveport, said the investigation was 'extensive and deeply painful', adding: 'A crime scene spanning four locations, eight children gone ranging in age from just one to 14 years old – there are no words.'
