A devastating mass shooting has rocked the United States, where a father killed seven of his own children and another unrelated child in Shreveport, Louisiana, in what authorities have described as a “domestic disturbance.”
The victims, whose ages ranged from one to 14 years old, were confirmed by the BBC’s US news partner CBS.
Police said the violence began around 05:00 (10:00 GMT) on Sunday, when the suspect opened fire, shooting a total of 10 people before fleeing in a stolen vehicle, according to Shreveport Police Department spokesperson Chris Bordelon. Officers later pursued and shot him dead.
Two adult women, including the children’s mother, survived but remain in critical condition.
Authorities identified the gunman as Shamar Elkins, according to Shreveport mayor’s communications director Leigh Anne Evensky.
Investigators said the suspect first shot a woman on the street before heading to a nearby residence, where he killed eight children, “one of whom was not a kin to him”, police confirmed.
In the chaos, one victim managed to escape and alert authorities from a nearby home.
Police believe the attacker acted alone. Another child reportedly jumped from the roof in an attempt to escape and is currently receiving treatment in hospital.
Reacting to the tragedy, Shreveport Mayor Tom Arceneaux said: “This is a tragic situation – maybe the worst tragic situation we’ve ever had in Shreveport.
“We have hurting families, we have hurting police officers, coroners’ personnel.
“This affects the entire community, so we all mourn with these families.”
The incident has been described as the deadliest mass shooting in the US since January 2024, when eight people were killed in Joliet, Illinois, according to the Gun Violence Archive, a nonprofit organisation that tracks gun violence across the country.
GVA defines a mass shooting as an incident where four or more victims were shot, not including the suspect.
Speaking at a news conference, Bordelon said officers arrived at the scene shortly before 06:00 local time and discovered the victims.
“All of the deceased in this case are juveniles,” Bordelon said.
He added that the case was determined to be “domestic in nature”.
Following the attack, the suspect reportedly carjacked a vehicle and attempted to escape. Police tracked him into Bossier Parish, where officers opened fire, killing him.
Shreveport Police Chief Wayne Smith expressed deep sorrow over the incident.
“I just cannot begin to imagine how such an event can occur,” Smith said.
He added that investigations are ongoing, with support from Louisiana State Police and other agencies.
“We are going to be working diligently however long it takes to get some answers to what has taken place,” he said.
Shreveport councilman Grayson Boucher highlighted the broader issue of domestic-related crimes in the city, stating that over 30% of crimes and murders were linked to domestic situations.
“Now that number has gone up,” he said.
“We’ve more than doubled our homicide in the city of Shreveport because of one act of domestic violence,” he added.
Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry also reacted, saying he and his wife were “heartbroken over this horrific situation, and we’re praying for everyone affected”.
“We’re deeply grateful to the law enforcement officers and first responders working tirelessly on the scene,” Landry added.
House Speaker Mike Johnson, who represents Louisiana’s Fourth District, described the incident as a “heartbreaking tragedy”
“We’re holding the victims, their families and loved ones, and our Shreveport community close in our thoughts and prayers during this incredibly difficult time,” he said, adding he was grateful for the swift response of local law enforcement.
