Shreveport: A mass shooting unfolded in Shreveport, Louisiana, when a man shot and killed his seven children and an unrelated child before being fatally shot by police. The incident, stemming from a domestic dispute, took place in the early hours of Sunday morning.

According to Thai News Agency, the tragedy began around 5:00 a.m. in the Cedar Grove neighborhood. The suspect, 31-year-old Shamar Elkins, fired shots in multiple locations, starting by shooting a woman on the street before entering a home and shooting eight children aged 1-14. Seven of the children were his biological offspring, and one was not related to the family. The children's mother sustained serious injuries, while another woman and child escaped by climbing through the roof.

Following the attack, Elkins stole a car and fled, leading police on a chase into nearby Bossier City. A shootout occurred, resulting in the suspect's death. Shreveport's Mayor referred to the event as the most violent he has witnessed. Authorities are now working to establish a domestic violence support center. Despite being classified as family homicide, the incident is considered a case of domestic violence with an unknown motive. Although Elkins had a past firearms conviction, his history of domestic violence remains unclear. The community is mourning the victims as the city grapples with this severe tragedy. Reports indicate that the gunman and his wife were undergoing separation and had a court appointment scheduled for Monday.

The Gun Violence Archive notes that this incident is the deadliest mass shooting in the United States in over two years, following an event in Joliet, Illinois, in January 2024. The organization reports at least 119 mass shootings this year, resulting in 117 deaths, including 79 children, and 458 injuries, not counting this incident.