Eight children killed in Louisiana shooting, police say
Online Desk
20 Apr 2026 08:07 AM । Update: 20 Apr 2026 08:12 AM
Eight children, aged from one to 14 years old, have been killed in a shooting in Shreveport, Louisiana, which police are describing as a "domestic disturbance".
Officers said the incident began about 05:00 local time (10:00 GMT). A single gunman shot 10 people before fleeing in a stolen car. Police then chased and killed the suspected shooter, reports BBC.
"We have hurting families, we have hurting police officers, coroners' personnel," Shreveport Mayor Tom Arceneaux said. "This affects the entire community, so we all mourn with these families."
Police did not name the victims, but said some of the children were related to the deceased man.
The suspected gunman has been identified as Shamar Elkins, Shreveport mayor's communications director Leigh Anne Evensky told the BBC.
Speaking earlier on Sunday, the mayor said: "This is a tragic situation - maybe the worst tragic situation we've ever had in Shreveport."
He said some of the injured victims had been taken to hospital and asked for prayers for the families and the city.
Police said there were multiple crime scenes, including two homes on the same block on West 79th Street and a third residence in the neighbourhood on Harrison Street.
Speaking at a news conference on Sunday, Shreveport Police Corporal Chris Bordelon said officers attended a home shortly before 06:00 local time and found the children.
"All of the deceased in this case are juveniles," Bordelon said.
He said officers determined the call was "domestic in nature" and added that one of those shot at the home had fled to a nearby residence.
After the shooting the suspected gunman carjacked a vehicle and started to flee, police said.
Bordelon said officers pursued him into another neighbourhood, Bossier Parish, and fired at the suspected gunman, who is now deceased.
