Deadly US Domestic Incident Leaves Eight Children Dead

In a horrifying incident of domestic violence, a 31-year-old man shot and killed eight children—seven of them his own—early Sunday morning in the southern US state of Louisiana, police said.

The attack took place at a grey house in the city of Shreveport and is being described as the deadliest mass shooting in the United States in more than two years, according to the Gun Violence Archive.

Police identified the gunman as Shamar Elkins, who fled the scene in a carjacked vehicle before being pursued by law enforcement. Officers later shot him dead after he allegedly exited the vehicle with a firearm.

“At the end of that pursuit, the suspect exited the vehicle with a firearm, and ultimately our officers were forced to neutralize the suspect,” said Police Corporal Chris Bordelon.

Authorities said the victims were children aged between around 18 months and 12 years old. Seven of the eight killed were believed to be the suspect’s own children. Two women were also shot and seriously injured, including the mother of some of the children. Officials said it was not yet clear how many of the children belonged to her.

Police confirmed that nine children were present at a second residence targeted during the incident. One child survived and is currently receiving treatment in hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

Investigators are still working to determine the motive behind the attack and are reviewing evidence from multiple crime scenes across three residences.

“We are still actively investigating, trying to determine the why,” Bordelon said, adding that authorities believe the suspect acted alone.

Police also noted that Elkins had previously been arrested in 2019 in a firearms-related case, in which he pleaded guilty. However, there were no known prior reports of domestic violence.

An AFP videographer at the scene reported seeing multiple bullet holes in the front door of the house, while mourners placed flowers nearby.

Local officials and national leaders expressed shock and grief over the tragedy. Shreveport Mayor Tom Arceneaux called it a “terrible event,” adding that “it lets you know that evil still exists in the world.”

Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry said he was “heartbroken,” while US House Speaker Mike Johnson, who represents the region, described the incident as a “senseless tragedy.”

“This is a terrible morning in Shreveport and we all mourn with the victims,” the mayor said.

The United States continues to experience high levels of gun violence, with thousands of deaths each year. It remains the country with the highest rate of gun-related deaths among developed nations.