Eight children were killed in domestic violence shootings at two homes in Shreveport, Louisiana, early Sunday. The victims ranged from one to 14 years old. A total of 10 people were shot. The gunman, an adult male, died after a police pursuit during which officers fired at the suspect.
Shreveport Police Department spokesperson Chris Bordelon described the scene as extensive and unprecedented. "This is an extensive scene unlike anything most of us have ever seen," he stated.
This marks the nation's deadliest mass shooting in over two years. Louisiana State Police detectives have been requested by Shreveport police to lead the investigation.
Shreveport Police Chief Wayne Smith expressed profound shock, stating, "I just don’t know what to say, my heart is just taken aback."
Mayor Tom Arceneaux called it "maybe the worst tragic situation we’ve ever had" in the northwestern Louisiana city.