Shreveport, Louisiana shooting: 8 children killed in ‘domestic disturbance’
Louisiana police give update after 8 children killed
In a devastating act of domestic violence that unfolded across two homes in a Shreveport neighborhood, a Louisiana gunman killed eight children, seven of whom were his own, according to local officials. The Associated Press reports that the attack is one of the nation's deadliest mass shootings in more than two years, and the community has reacted with shock and grief. Shreveport police spokesperson Chris Bordelon provided an update earlier in the day with more information on what has been described as a mass domestic shooting.
A mass domestic shooting in Louisiana left eight children dead, police in Shreveport said Sunday morning.
Here is what's known so far from local and state police:
Shreveport, Louisiana shooting
Image: Shreveport Police Department on Facebook
What we know:
Shreveport police spokesperson Chris Bordelon said in a news conference Sunday morning that eight children were killed overnight in a mass domestic shooting, and two other people were injured.
He said the children ranged in age from 1 to 14 years old, and said later on Sunday that seven of the children were siblings and related to the suspect. He said Sunday evening that their mother and another woman were critically injured.
He added that a 13-year-old that wasn't believed to be related to the suspect escaped one of the houses by jumping off the roof and broke some bones, but was not shot.
What we don't know:
Investigators did not say what may have set off the attack, and police have not yet named any of the victims.
It's also not known yet who the unrelated child and other adult victim were.
What they're saying:
"We have multiple families that are affected, so we’re doing the best we can. When we can identify whose family members are what, we’ll do that," Bordelon said Sunday evening.
Timeline:
Police were first called to a home just after 6 a.m. ET and found the shooting scene spanned two residences on that street, and said that a third location on another street was also part of the incident.
The suspect stole a car while leaving the scene of the shootings and was followed by police, according to Bordelon.
Police eventually fired at the suspect, killing him, Bordelon added.
Later on Sunday, police identified him as Shamar Elkins.
Big picture view:
The mass shooting was the deadliest in the U.S. in more than two years, according to The Associated Press.
READ MORE: Shreveport, Louisiana shooting was 7th mass killing in 2026 - See full list
Community reacts after 8 children killed in Louisiana
We are now watching community leaders react after a mass shooting in Louisiana left eight children dead. Police in Shreveport made the announcement Sunday morning. Police said they were first called to a home just after 6 a.m. and found a shooting scene that spanned two residences on that street, and said that a third home on another street was also part of the scene. According to officials in Louisiana, the suspect stole a car while leaving the area of the shootings and was then followed by police.
Local perspective:
City officials held a press conference Sunday afternoon to express condolences and process what happened. You can hear their remarks in the video player above.
Shreveport is also the district that Speaker Mike Johnson represents, and he posted on social media:
"Heartbreaking tragedy in Shreveport this morning – 8 children were senselessly killed and multiple others were injured. My team is in touch with local law enforcement as more details emerge. 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. And we are grateful to the Shreveport, Bossier, and Louisiana State Police for their swift response."
What's next:
Bordelon said police would be releasing more information soon and into the beginning of the week.
The Source: Information in this article was taken from Shreveport police spokesperson Chris Bordelon in a Sunday morning news conference and from Louisiana State Police. This story was reported from Detroit.