A gunman has killed eight children, including seven of his own, and shot two other people before he was shot dead by police in the southern US state of Louisiana, authorities have said.
According to reports by Al Jazeera, the victims of the attack, which was carried out across two houses in Shreveport on Sunday morning, ranged in age from one to about 12 years old, said Shreveport Police Department spokesperson Chris Bordelon. One of the adults wounded was the mother of the suspect’s children.
The suspect, whom Bordelon identified as Shamar Elkins, died after a police pursuit. Officers fired at the suspect during a chase after he carjacked a vehicle at gunpoint, Bordelon said.
Investigators did not say what may have set off the violence. Bordelon said there was still much to investigate, but that detectives were confident the shooting was “entirely a domestic incident”.
“This is an extensive scene, unlike anything most of us have ever seen,” Bordelon said. He said Elkins had been known to police and was arrested in 2019 in a firearms case. Officials were not aware of any other domestic violence issues.
“This is a tragic situation; maybe the worst tragic situation we’ve ever had,” Shreveport Mayor Tom Arceneaux said.
US House of Representatives Speaker Mike Johnson, a Shreveport native, posted on social media that his team was in touch with local police about the “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.
Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry posted to social media that he and his wife “are heartbroken over this horrific situation, and we’re praying for everyone affected”.
