Eight children were killed and two adults injured in a mass shooting in Shreveport, Louisiana, on Sunday morning, in what police described as a domestic dispute that escalated into deadly violence. Officers responded to reports of a disturbance in the 300 block of West 79th Street shortly after 6:00 AM local time.
Police spokesperson Christopher Bordelon said the violence unfolded across three locations. The initial shooting occurred on West 79th Street, followed by a related incident on Harrison Street, with at least one victim fleeing to a neighboring home. Ten people were shot in total; eight victims were children aged between 18 months and 15 years old. Two adult women survived, one in life-threatening condition.
The suspect fled the scene, attempting to carjack a vehicle before being pursued by officers. Police shot and killed the suspect during the chase. Authorities have not yet released the suspect’s identity or detailed the motive beyond describing the incident as a domestic dispute. Some of the children shot were related to the suspect, and one of the surviving women was believed to have been in a relationship with him.
“This is a tragic situation—maybe the worst tragic situation we’ve ever had,” Shreveport Mayor Tom Arceneaux said. “It’s a terrible morning.” Police Chief Wayne Smith called the scene “extensive” and unlike anything officers had previously encountered. No officers were injured during the incident.
While online reports have identified the suspect as Shamar Elkins, officials have not formally confirmed the name. The investigation remains ongoing, with state police assisting local authorities.
The shooting adds to a series of high-profile mass casualty events in the United States, renewing scrutiny of domestic violence-linked firearm incidents. Community leaders and local officials have urged residents to seek support services and remain vigilant as the city grapples with the aftermath of one of its deadliest attacks.
