On 19th April (local time), a 31-year-old Army vet, identified as Shamar Elkins, killed 8 children, 7 of whom were his own, in Shreveport in the state of Louisiana in the United States. According to the police, the mass shooting was a result of domestic violence. The incident took place at around 6 am on Sunday. According to the official statement issued by the Shreveport Police Department, the children, aged between 1-14 years, were found dead inside a residence on the 300 block of West 79th Street.
Police have described the incident as a “catastrophic and heartbreaking loss of young lives” and confirmed that a total of ten people were shot during the attack.
Multiple victims injured, crime scene spans several locations
Apart from the 8 children who were killed, two adult women also sustained serious injuries. They were rushed to a local hospital where they are undergoing treatment. A teenage victim also sustained non-life-threatening injuries.
According to the investigators, the crime scene was extensive, spanning multiple locations, including three residences and another site linked to the suspect’s final encounter with the police. At one of the residences, 9 children were present, out of which only one survived and is currently hospitalised.
Police in Shreveport, Louisiana say 8 children were killed in a domestic shooting. The suspect was also killed by responding officers. pic.twitter.com/WuaGGOf3mq
— Breaking911 (@Breaking911) April 19, 2026
Officials confirmed that both injured women had ties to the suspect, though their exact relationship has not yet been established.
Sequence of events – From first shooting to carjacking and chase
According to the police statement and media reports, Elkins first shot an adult female on Harrison Street. He then went to the West 79th Street residence and killed the children. After carrying out the attack, he fled the scene and stole a car at gunpoint. Police later located the stolen vehicle and initiated a pursuit that continued into Bossier Parish.
Eventually, police engaged the suspect during the chase, and he was killed in the encounter. No officer was injured in the process.
Officer involved shooting under probe, no wrongdoing suspected
As part of the procedure, the Louisiana State Police is investigating the officer involved in the shooting. According to the official statement, preliminary findings indicate that officers acted appropriately and in accordance with departmental policy.
Authorities have also appealed to the public to share any videos or information that may assist the investigation.
Officials called it ‘unimaginable tragedy’
Speaking to the media, Police Chief Wayne Smith stated that in his 46-year-long career in law enforcement, he had never encountered a case of this magnitude. He praised the officers and detectives for their professionalism in handling the situation.
Mayor Tom Arceneaux described it as a devastating morning for the city. He added that the entire community is mourning the loss. Counselling services are being arranged for families, students, and first responders, and a vigil is being planned.
Leaders including Mike Johnson and Jeff Landry termed the incident a “senseless tragedy” and “horrific violence”, expressing condolences to the victims’ families.
Who is Shamar Elkins
Shamar Elkins, the attacker, was a 31-year-old resident of Shreveport. According to media reports, he served in the Louisiana Army National Guard from 2013 to 2020 and left with the rank of private, the lowest rank in the armed forces.
Media reports suggest that days before the horrific shooting, Elkins shared concerning messages on social media. Some of his posts suggested personal distress and possible marital issues.
Officials believe that he was the only shooter involved in the incident. The motive behind the attack remains unclear.
Community in shock as investigation continues
According to the authorities, this was one of the deadliest mass shootings in the United States in recent years. Calling it an unimaginable tragedy, officials said the community remains deeply affected and assured that efforts are ongoing to establish the full sequence of events and deliver justice.
