UNIPA News Desk | Louisiana

​The southern U.S. state of Louisiana is in mourning following a catastrophic domestic attack on Sunday morning, where a father fatally shot eight children—seven of whom were his own. The incident, occurring across two residences in a Shreveport neighborhood, marks one of the deadliest mass shootings in the country in recent years.

​According to a spokesperson for the Shreveport Police Department, the violence began before sunrise south of downtown. The suspect first shot a woman at one location before driving to a second home where the primary massacre took place.

​Authorities confirmed that all eight children were killed at the second residence. The victims, ranging in age from 3 to 11 years old, included three boys and five girls. In a harrowing detail, police reported that one child was found deceased on the roof after a desperate attempt to escape, while another child survived after jumping from the roof and is currently receiving medical treatment.

​Two women, including the gunman’s wife and mother to the children, were also shot and remain in critical condition.

​The gunman has been identified by authorities as Shamar Elkins. Following the attacks, Elkins led police on a pursuit that ended in a fatal confrontation with officers. While a specific motive has not yet been established, detectives have categorized the tragedy as an “entirely domestic incident.”

​”I just don’t know what to say, my heart is just taken aback,” said Shreveport Police Chief Wayne Smith during a press briefing. “I cannot begin to imagine how such an event could occur.”

​Police records indicate that while the department was familiar with Elkins due to a 2019 firearms case, there were no prior reports of domestic violence involving the suspect.

​Community members gathered late Sunday, April 19, for a prayer vigil to honor the young victims. As the investigation continues, this tragedy has once again ignited national conversations regarding domestic safety and firearm violence.