Eight children killed in Louisiana mass shooting; suspected gunman fatally shot by police during vehicle chase
Eight children, ages 1 to 14, were killed in a mass shooting on Sunday in Shreveport, Louisiana. Local authorities reported that the suspected gunman was fatally shot by police during a vehicle chase after the incident.Shreveport Police Department spokesperson Christopher Bordelon stated the shootings occurred in three residences and involved at least 10 people.
Children killed
Bordelon indicated that some children were related to the suspected gunman.
The shooting is classified as a domestic disturbance and took place shortly after 6 a.m.
Following the incident, the suspect carjacked a vehicle and was shot by police during a pursuit in neighbouring Bossier Parish.
Louisiana State Police are investigating the officer-involved shooting.
Bordelon mentioned the name of the suspected gunman would be released after all families had been notified.
“This is a tragic situation, maybe the worst tragic situation we’ve ever had,” stated Shreveport Mayor Tom Arceneaux.
U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson, a local native, expressed condolences on social media and mentioned his team was in contact with local police.
Governor Jeff Landry also shared his heartbreak and offered prayers for those affected.
The Gun Violence Archive reports 119 mass shootings in the U.S. so far this year, resulting in 117 deaths, including 79 children, and 458 injuries.
According to local Shreveport police, Shamar Elkins reportedly led police on a high speed chase, killed eight of his children and shot his wife, Shaneiqua Elkins, before eventually being killed by responding police officers.#DomesticViolence #tragedy #evil #domesticviolence… pic.twitter.com/tHyJ2pZIU0
— Mrgunsngear (@Mrgunsngear) April 19, 2026
