Eight children, aged from one to 14 years old, have been killed in a shooting in Shreveport, Louisiana
Published by RawNews1st
6:54 p.m. ( 4/19/2026 )
.
Eight children, aged from one to 14 years old, have been killed in a shooting in Shreveport, Louisiana, which police are describing as a “domestic disturbance”.
Officers said the incident began about 05:00 local time (10:00 GMT). A single gunman shot 10 people before fleeing in a stolen car. Police then chased and killed the suspected shooter.
“We have hurting families, we have hurting police officers, coroners’ personnel,” Shreveport Mayor Tom Arceneaux said. “This affects the entire community, so we all mourn with these families.”
Police did not identify the suspected gunman or the victims, but said some of the children were related to the deceased man.
“This is a tragic situation – maybe the worst tragic situation we’ve ever had in Shreveport,” the mayor added. He asked for prayers for the families and the city.
The children killed were between 18 months and 12 years old, police said.
“I just don’t know what to say. My heart is just taken aback,” Shreveport Police Chief Wayne Smith told reporters. “I just cannot begin to imagine how such an event can occur.”
Shamar Elkins was identified by police as the shooter and sole suspect, and seven of the eight children killed were his, police spokesperson Christopher Bordelon said.
“When depression tries to settle in, when anger rises, when anxiety or panic comes, give me the awareness to recognize what is not from You and the strength to reject it immediately in the name of JESUS.”
The mass murderer’s wife previously shared a picture of Elkins in a US Army uniform in 2016, as she awaited his return from active service.
“Been waiting for yu [sic] 5 more days… And yu all mines. Damn bby I gt to fatten yu up,” she wrote at the time.
