Father Kills Seven Children and Another in Horrific Louisiana Mass Shooting
Police say the suspect opened fire in a domestic-related attack in Shreveport, Louisiana, killing seven of his children and another child before being shot dead following a police chase.
- A father killed seven of his children and another unrelated child in a mass shooting in Shreveport, Louisiana
- Ten people were shot in total
- The gunman, identified as Shamar Elkins, fled after the incident but was later pursued and fatally shot by police
A man has killed seven of his own children and another unrelated child in a devastating mass shooting in Shreveport, Louisiana, in what police have described as a domestic-related incident.
The victims, aged between one and 14 years old, were among 10 people shot in the early hours of Sunday morning, according to reports from CBS, the BBC’s US partner. Authorities say the attack began around 05:00 local time (10:00 GMT).
Police identified the suspect as Shamar Elkins. He allegedly opened fire on a woman on the street before moving to a nearby home where he shot and killed the eight children, one of whom was not related to him. Two adult women, including the children’s mother, remain in critical condition.
Officials say one child managed to escape and alert authorities, while another jumped from a roof and was hospitalized. The gunman fled the scene in a stolen vehicle after the attack.
Law enforcement later pursued him into a neighbouring area, where he was fatally shot by police after a chase.
Shreveport Police confirmed the incident was domestic in nature and said the suspect acted alone. Officials described the scene as one of the most tragic in the city’s history.
Mayor Tom Arceneaux expressed deep sorrow, calling it possibly the worst tragedy Shreveport has ever experienced, adding that families, police officers, and emergency workers are all affected.
Police Chief Wayne Smith said investigations are ongoing in coordination with state authorities, promising a thorough effort to uncover the circumstances behind the shooting.
The incident is now considered the deadliest mass shooting in the United States since January 2024, according to the Gun Violence Archive, which tracks gun-related violence nationwide.
Local officials and state leaders, including Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry and House Speaker Mike Johnson, have expressed condolences, describing the tragedy as heartbreaking and offering prayers for the victims and their families.
