Police in Louisiana neutralized a man they say killed eight children in three rounds of shootings near Shreveport early Sunday.
Law enforcement officers responded to reports of gunfire in the Cedar Grove area of Shreveport shortly after 6 a.m. Central Time. Upon arrival, they located victims at three residences, according to remarks from Shreveport Police Corporal Chris Bordelon during a Sunday press conference.
“The responding officers located a crime scene here in the 300 block of West 79th Street, and this is a rather extensive crime scene spanning between two residences here. There is also another residence on Harrison Street that is part of this crime scene as well,” Bordelon told reporters. “Right now we have at least 10 individuals that were struck by gunfire last night in a domestic disturbance; eight of these individuals are deceased.”
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“The ranges of the decedents are from one year of age to approximately 14 years of age. All of the deceased in this case are juveniles,” Bordelon continued, before stating the suspect carried out a carjacking, leading to a high-speed pursuit into a neighboring jurisdiction where Shreveport police fatally shot him.
Police later identified the suspect as Shamar Elkins.
“I just don’t know what to say, you know? My heart is just taken aback. I just cannot begin to imagine how such an event can occur,” Shreveport Police Chief Wayne Smith told reporters.
Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson, whose congressional district includes Shreveport, described the incident as “heartbreaking” in a Sunday post to X.
“Heartbreaking tragedy in Shreveport this morning — 8 children were senselessly killed and multiple others were injured. My team is in touch with local law enforcement as more details emerge,” Johnson posted. “We’re holding the victims, their families and loved ones, and our Shreveport community close in our thoughts and prayers during this incredibly difficult time. And we are grateful to the Shreveport, Bossier, and Louisiana State Police for their swift response.”
The shooting comes days after former Democratic Virginia Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax reportedly killed his wife before committing suicide in Annandale, Va., weeks before a scheduled divorce trial.
This article has been updated with the identity of the alleged shooter.
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