Arabic version: إطلاق نار مأساوي يودي بحياة ثمانية أطفال في شريفبورت

Eight children, aged from one to 14 years old, have been killed in a shooting described by police as a “domestic disturbance” in Shreveport, Louisiana. The incident began about 05:00 local time, where a single gunman shot 10 people before fleeing in a stolen car. Police later pursued the suspect, identified as Shamar Elkins, who was killed during the chase.

According to BBC News, the victims included some related to the deceased man. Shreveport Mayor Tom Arceneaux expressed deep sorrow, stating, “This is a tragic situation – maybe the worst tragic situation we’ve ever had in Shreveport.” He emphasized that the entire community is mourning alongside the affected families.

Police reported multiple crime scenes, including two homes on West 79th Street and a third residence in the neighborhood on Harrison Street. Shreveport Police Corporal Chris Bordelon confirmed that all of the deceased in this case are juveniles and noted that the shooting was determined to be domestic in nature.

Shreveport Police Chief Wayne Smith expressed his condolences to the community, stating, “I just cannot begin to imagine how such an event can occur.” He assured that the investigation would be thorough, in collaboration with the Louisiana State Police and other agencies.

Local officials highlighted the prevalence of domestic-related crimes in the city, with Councilman Grayson Boucher noting that over 30% of crimes and 30% of murders in Shreveport were linked to domestic violence. Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry and House Speaker Mike Johnson also expressed their heartbreak over the incident, calling it a “horrific situation” and extending prayers to the victims’ families. This shooting marks the deadliest mass shooting in the U.S. since January 2024, according to the Gun Violence Archive.