SHREVEPORT, Louisiana — Eight children lost their lives and two additional victims were wounded during a devastating domestic violence incident that unfolded across multiple locations in a Shreveport neighborhood early Sunday morning, according to local authorities.
The young victims, ranging from just 1 year old to approximately 14 years old, included children who were related to the shooter, according to Shreveport Police Department spokesperson Chris Bordelon. The adult male suspect was killed during a police pursuit after he carjacked a vehicle while fleeing the scene. Police have not yet disclosed what may have triggered the violent rampage, and the current condition of the two wounded victims remains unknown.
This tragedy marks the most deadly mass shooting incident in the United States in over two years.
“This is an extensive scene unlike anything most of us have ever seen,” Bordelon stated.
Law enforcement officers opened fire on the suspect during a vehicle pursuit that occurred after he stole a car while escaping from the shooting locations, Bordelon explained.
Authorities have not yet identified the suspect by name, confirming only that he was an adult male.
Investigators continue working to piece together evidence from the crime scenes located south of Shreveport’s downtown area, which span two residential properties and a third location.
Neighbor Liza Demming, whose home sits two doors away from one of the attack sites, reported that her security system recorded footage of the suspect fleeing the area along with audio of two gunshots.
“That’s pretty much all I saw, was him running out of the house and the cars leaving,” she explained.
When Demming ventured outside later, she discovered a child’s covered body on the home’s rooftop. She indicated she was unfamiliar with the gunman’s identity.
“He looks like the dad that comes over here,” she noted, mentioning that he had been with the children just days earlier.
Pastor Marty T. Johnson Sr. of St. Gabriel Community Baptist Church, who owns one of the properties where the shootings took place, explained that an employee had rented the residence to the family, though he had no direct contact with them.
“I don’t really know them, I really don’t,” he said. “I do plan on having a prayer vigil for the family, and anything I can do, with so many children, to help them bury the children, I’m going to do so.”
According to a database tracked by The Associated Press and USA Today in collaboration with Northeastern University, this incident represents the most fatal mass shooting in the United States since eight people were murdered in a Chicago-area community in January 2024.
During a press briefing held outside one of the shooting locations, officials appeared visibly shaken while asking the community for patience and prayers as they process the multiple crime scenes.
“I just don’t know what to say, my heart is just taken aback,” stated Shreveport Police Chief Wayne Smith. “I cannot begin to imagine how such an event could occur.”
“This is a tragic situation — maybe the worst tragic situation we’ve ever had,” said Mayor Tom Arceneaux of the northwestern Louisiana city, which has approximately 180,000 residents. “It’s a terrible morning.”
Louisiana State Police confirmed that Shreveport authorities have requested their detectives to take over the investigation. State police issued a statement confirming that no law enforcement officers were injured during the shooting incident that occurred after the police chase extended into Bossier City on Sunday morning.
State police are encouraging anyone who has photographs, video footage, or information related to the case to contact their detectives.
Both Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry and U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson, a Shreveport native, released separate statements expressing their devastation and commending law enforcement’s response to the crisis.
“We’re holding the victims, their families and loved ones, and our Shreveport community close in our thoughts and prayers during this incredibly difficult time,” Johnson stated.
