Eight children were killed in a mass shooting in Shreveport, Louisiana on Sunday, police have said, describing the attack as a domestic dispute that escalated into deadly violence.
According to a statement on social media, officers responded to reports of a domestic disturbance in the 300 block of West 79th Street just after 6:00 AM local time (11:00 GMT). According to spokesperson Christopher Bordelon, the violence spanned multiple locations.
“You have three different scenes,” Bordelon said, adding that the initial shooting occurred on West 79th Street, with a related incident unfolding on Harrison Street, and at least one victim fleeing to a neighboring residence.
Ten people were shot, eight of them fatally. The victims ranged in age from 18 months to 15 years old.
The suspect fled the scene, attempting to escape by carjacking a vehicle before being pursued by officers. Police eventually shot and killed the suspect following a chase, Bordelon said.
The authorities have not yet released the suspect’s identity or provided further details on the motive beyond the domestic dispute.
Police Chief Wayne Smith said the only survivors were two adult women, one of whom remains in life-threatening condition. One of the women is believed to have been in a relationship with the suspect. Some of the children shot were related to the suspect, Smith said, calling it “an extensive scene unlike anything most of us have ever seen.” State police added that no officers were injured during the incident.
“This is a tragic situation – maybe the worst tragic situation we’ve ever had,” Shreveport Mayor Tom Arceneaux said. “It’s a terrible morning.”
Reports circulating online have identified the suspect as Shamar Elkins, though officials have not yet formally confirmed the identity.