Eight children shot dead in domestic violence rampage

A gunman in the southeastern United States has killed eight children in domestic violence shootings at two different homes, police said.

The tragedy on Sunday (Monday AEST) was the country’s deadliest mass shooting in more than two years.

“This is an elaborate scene like most of us have never seen,” said Chris Bordelon, spokesman for the Shreveport, Louisiana, police department.

The victims ranged in age from 1 to about 14 years old, Bordelon said, and some of the children were related to the suspect. A total of 10 people were shot.

The gunman later died after a chase during which officers shot the suspect, Bordelon said. The suspect stole a car as he left the scene of the shooting and was followed by police.

Police have not released the suspect’s name, but did say he was an adult male.

Officials said they were still gathering details at the crime scene south of downtown Shreveport — the two homes and a third location.

It was the deadliest mass shooting in the U.S. since eight people were killed in a Chicago suburb in January 2024, according to a database maintained by The Associated Press and USA Today in partnership with Northeastern University.

At a news conference outside the residence where one of the shootings occurred, officials appeared stunned and asked for patience and prayers from the community as they searched multiple crime scenes.

Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry and U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson, who is from Shreveport, said in separate statements they were heartbroken and praised law enforcement for their response.

“We are keeping the victims, their families and loved ones, and our Shreveport community close in our thoughts and prayers during this incredibly difficult time,” Johnson said in a statement.

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