A very angry man in Louisiana , United States of America has killed eight children, seven believed to be his own, and critically injured two women in what police have described as a devastating domestic incident.
Authorities identified the suspect as Shamar Elkins, 31, who allegedly shot a woman at one residence before carrying out a second, fatal attack at another property in Shreveport. According to police, Elkins was later killed following a pursuit.
Officials said the victims were aged between one and 12 years old. A spokesperson for the Shreveport Police Department confirmed that one of the injured women is the mother of the suspect’s children. Both women remain in critical condition.
Investigators revealed that seven children were found shot inside a home, while an eighth was discovered dead on the roof, apparently after attempting to escape. Zebra News understands that authorities are treating the case as a domestic incident, though the motive remains unclear.
The attack is being described as the deadliest mass shooting in the United States since January 2024, according to reports cited by Zebra News.
Reacting to the tragedy, Shreveport Police Chief Wayne Smith said he was “taken aback” by the scale of the violence. “My heart goes out to this entire community… I just cannot begin to imagine how such an event can occur,” he said, adding that the crime scene was unlike anything most officers had encountered.
Shreveport Mayor Tom Arceneaux described the incident as “a terrible morning” for the city, while local officials and residents expressed shock and grief. State Representative Tammy Phelps said she experienced “chills” upon arriving at the scene, noting her personal connection to the area.
Community leaders echoed similar sentiments. Local organiser Satonia Small said she felt “overwhelmed” by the घटना, while City Councilman Grayson Boucher noted the attack had effectively doubled the city’s homicide rate in a single day.
Residents described the harrowing aftermath, with neighbour Mack London saying he had never witnessed such violence in the area, and Marie Montgomery calling the removal of the children’s bodies “the worst thing” she had ever seen.
US House Speaker Mike Johnson, who represents the region, said he had been in contact with local officials and offered support. “We’re holding the victims, their families and our Shreveport community close in our thoughts and prayers,” he said.
City Council Chair Tabatha Taylor urged the community to seek both spiritual and mental health support, describing the children as having “their whole life ahead of them”.
Zebra News reports that Elkins had previously been arrested in 2019 on a firearms charge and had served in the Louisiana National Guard between 2013 and 2020.
Investigations into the circumstances surrounding the attack are ongoing.
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