A devastating shooting spree in the southern US state of Louisiana has left eight children dead, in what police believe was a domestic violence incident. The tragedy occurred early on Sunday in the city of Shreveport, with the gunman, an adult male, being fatally shot by police after a car chase.
The incident, which took place just after 6:00 (1100 GMT), is the deadliest mass shooting in the United States in over two years, according to data from the Gun Violence Archive. The victims, ranging in age from one to 14, were found at three residences, which are being combed for evidence by investigators.
Domestic Violence Incident
Police Corporal Chris Bordelon told a press conference that the suspect carjacked a vehicle and led police on a chase before officers opened fire, killing the assailant. No officers were injured, according to state police. The suspect was believed to be the only individual who fired gunshots at the locations, with some of the children being his descendants.
The two people wounded in the incident were adult women who were shot in the head, according to an FBI affiliate. A male child was also injured when he jumped from the roof of one of the homes.
Reaction to the Tragedy
Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry said he was “heartbroken” by the incident, while Republican Senator Bill Cassidy called it an episode of “horrific violence”. Mayor Tom Arceneaux described it as a “terrible morning in Shreveport”, and wished the survivors a speedy recovery.
The United States, where firearms are readily available, is a frequent scene of gun violence, with thousands of people killed every year. Some of the key facts about the incident include:
- 8 children killed, aged 1-14
- 2 adult women wounded, shot in the head
- 1 male child injured, jumped from roof
- Suspect, an adult male, killed by police
The investigation is ongoing, with police working to release more details about the victims and the gunman pending notification of next of kin.
