SHREVEPORT, La. — A gunman killed eight children and wounded two others in a devastating early morning shooting Sunday that unfolded across two homes in a Shreveport neighborhood, authorities said, marking one of the deadliest mass killings in the United States in recent years.

According to the Shreveport Police Department, the violence began before sunrise when the suspect shot a woman at one residence south of downtown before driving to a second home, where the majority of the victims were found.
Police spokesperson Chris Bordelon said seven children were killed inside the second home, while another child was discovered dead on the roof, apparently after attempting to escape the gunfire. The victims ranged in age from 1 to about 14 years old and included children related to the suspect, authorities confirmed.

“This heinous act was carried out across multiple locations,” Bordelon said, noting that investigators are still working to determine what may have triggered the attack.
Two women who were shot survived and are being treated for serious injuries, officials said.

The suspect, described by police as an adult male, later died following a police pursuit that extended into nearby areas. Authorities said he carjacked a vehicle at gunpoint during the incident, prompting officers to open fire during the chase. His identity has not yet been released.

At least one of the homes involved in the shooting was owned by Marty T. Johnson Sr., pastor of St. Gabriel Community Baptist Church, who said the property had been rented to the family by an employee. Johnson said he had no direct relationship with the victims but pledged support for grieving relatives.
“I don’t really know them,” Johnson said. “But with so many children, anything I can do to help them bury the children, I’m going to do so.”

The Caddo Parish Coroner’s Office said it is withholding the names of the victims pending formal identification.
Officials described the incident as a domestic dispute that escalated into extreme violence. The Caddo Parish District Attorney’s Office said in a statement, “What began as a domestic dispute has ended in irreversible harm.”

At a news conference, Shreveport Police Chief Wayne Smith expressed shock at the scale of the tragedy.
“I just don’t know what to say,” Smith said. “I cannot begin to imagine how such an event could occur.”
Shreveport Mayor Tom Arceneaux called it one of the worst incidents the city has ever faced.

“This is a tragic situation — maybe the worst tragic situation we’ve ever had,” Arceneaux said. “It’s a terrible morning.”
The investigation has been turned over in part to Louisiana State Police, which confirmed no officers were injured during the pursuit and is urging the public to share any relevant information, photos, or video.

State and national leaders also responded to the tragedy. Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry and Mike Johnson, who represents the Shreveport area, issued statements expressing condolences and support for the victims’ families.
“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 said.

As investigators continue to piece together what led to the violence, the community remains in shock, grappling with the loss of eight young lives in a tragedy that has left an indelible mark on the city.

Credit: AP