On an early Sunday morning just after 6 a.m. local time, a devastating mass shooting shook the quiet city of Shreveport, located in the southern U.S. state of Louisiana, leaving eight children dead and sending shockwaves across the nation. According to local law enforcement, the attack is believed to stem from a domestic disturbance, marking the deadliest mass shooting recorded in the United States in more than two years, data from the Gun Violence Archive confirms.
The shooter, an adult male whose identity was not immediately released to the public, was shot and killed following a high-speed car chase and confrontation with responding officers. Louisiana State Police have confirmed that no law enforcement personnel sustained injuries during the encounter, though Mayor Tom Arceneaux told CNN it remains unclear whether the shooter died from a self-inflicted wound or gunfire from police.
Investigators are still working through an expansive crime scene that stretches across three separate residential properties, which are being systematically combed for forensic evidence to piece together the timeline and motive of the attack. Police Corporal Chris Bordelon shared details on the victims at a formal press briefing, noting that the deceased children ranged in age from just 12 months to 14 years old. Bordelon confirmed that some of the slain children were direct descendants of the shooter, and added that investigators have concluded the gunman acted alone in carrying out the attack.
Two adult women, who the shooter had previously established personal relationships with, were also shot during the rampage. Arceneaux told CNN that the full nature of those relationships has not yet been confirmed, as both women remain in extremely critical condition and are unable to speak with investigators. Local ABC affiliate KTBS reported that both women suffered gunshot wounds to the head. During the attack at the second residence, nine children were present at the time of the shooter’s arrival; only one child survived the incident, and is currently receiving hospital care for a non-life-threatening injury, Arceneaux confirmed.
Local authorities have stated that additional information about the shooter and all victims will be released publicly only after all next of kin have been formally notified of the deaths. State and national political leaders have already publicly responded to the tragedy: U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, a Republican representing Louisiana, described the attack as an unfathomable act of horrific violence, and extended well wishes for a full recovery for all surviving victims. Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry said he was absolutely heartbroken by the loss of life, echoing the sentiments of local leaders. “It’s a terrible morning in Shreveport, and we all mourn with the victims,” Arceneaux told reporters at the press briefing.
The shooting once again brings renewed attention to the ongoing crisis of gun violence in the United States, where widespread access to firearms has led to thousands of gun-related deaths across the country every year.