Mass shooting in Shreveport, Louisiana, kills eight children in domestic violence incident
Consensus Summary
On April 19, 2026, a mass shooting in Shreveport, Louisiana, left eight children aged 1 to 12 dead after a gunman, later identified as 31-year-old army veteran Shamar Elkins, targeted multiple homes in a domestic violence incident. The shootings occurred early Sunday morning across at least three residences, with a total of 10 people shot, including two seriously injured women. Elkins stole a car and was killed by police during a chase after the rampage. The event was described as the deadliest mass shooting in the US since January 2024 and shocked the community, with local officials calling it the worst tragedy in Shreveport’s history. Seven of the children were Elkins’ descendants, and a 13-year-old boy escaped by jumping off a roof. Neighbors reported hearing gunshots but no signs of a loud altercation beforehand. The incident has reignited discussions about gun violence in the US, with multiple sources noting the frequency of such tragedies in 2026.
✓ Verified by 2+ sources
Key details reported by multiple sources:
- Eight children aged between 1 and 12 (corrected from 14 in some sources) were killed in the shootings.
- The shootings occurred in Shreveport, Louisiana, at locations south of downtown, involving at least three homes.
- The gunman, identified as Shamar Elkins (31-year-old army veteran), was killed by police after a chase following a carjacking.
- A total of 10 people were shot, with eight fatalities (all children) and two women seriously injured (one shot in the head).
- The incident was described as a 'domestic disturbance' by Shreveport police spokesperson Chris Bordelon.
- The shootings took place early Sunday morning (local time), with police called to the first residence at 6:00 AM.
- The event was the deadliest mass shooting in the US since eight people were killed in a Chicago suburb in January 2024.
- Shreveport Mayor Tom Arceneaux called it 'a tragic situation—maybe the worst tragic situation we’ve ever had' in the city.
- Seven of the eight murdered children were believed to be Shamar Elkins’ descendants, according to police.
- A 13-year-old boy (not Elkins’ child) fled by jumping off a roof and sustained broken bones during the shootings.
Points of Difference
Details reported by only one source:
- The gunman was described as an adult male, but his name was not released initially.
- Police said the victims ranged in age from one to about 14 years old (later corrected to 12 in other sources).
- Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry called the event heartbreaking and thanked law enforcement.
- The Associated Press and USA Today database was cited for tracking mass shootings.
- Liza Demming, a neighbor, described seeing the gunman running away and hearing two shots; she also saw a child victim on a roof.
- Demming noted the scene was quiet with no altercations or loud arguments beforehand.
- House of Representatives Speaker Mike Johnson called it a 'senseless tragedy' and urged prayers for the community.
- Liza Demming’s security camera captured video of the gunman running toward a tire shop.
- Local councillor Grayson Boucher called the act 'nothing but pure evil' and urged community unity.
- The violence occurred in Shreveport’s Cedar Grove neighborhood, with at least four separate but nearby scenes involved.
- Mentioned six mass murders in the US in 2026 (per Gun Violence Archive) and another high-profile shooting in Iowa City.
- Included broader context about US gun violence and calls for gun control, though Congress has not acted.
- The NY Post was cited as reporting that two survivors were adult women shot in the head, with one having life-threatening injuries.
- The suspect was described as targeting his 'descendants' across multiple homes.
Where the reporting differs
Details that conflict, or appear in only some outlets:
- The age of the oldest victim was initially reported as 14 in ABC but later corrected to 12 in THEAGE and SMH.
- ABC initially did not name the suspect, while THEAGE and SMH identified him as Shamar Elkins (31-year-old army veteran).
- ABC mentioned 10 people were shot with some children related to the suspect, while NEWSCOMAU specified two women were shot in the head with one having life-threatening injuries.
- THEAGE and SMH stated seven of the eight children were Elkins’ own, while ABC did not specify the exact number of his children among the victims.
- GUARDIAN mentioned four separate scenes, while other sources specified three homes involved in the shootings.
Source Articles
US domestic violence shooting leaves eight children dead
The victims, who were shot at two homes in the US state of Louisiana, ranged in age from one to about 14 years old.
Eight children aged 1 to 12 killed in worst US mass shooting in two years
At a news conference outside a home, people audibly gasped and wailed as police revealed 10 people were shot in total, and that the eight dead were children.
Eight children aged 1 to 12 killed in worst US mass shooting in two years
At a news conference outside a home, people audibly gasped and wailed as police revealed 10 people were shot in total, and that the eight dead were children.
Mass shooting rampage in Louisiana leaves eight children dead and others wounded
Suspect was fatally shot, according to Shreveport police, who say victims included children ranging from 18 months to 14 years Sign up for the Breaking News US email to get newsletter alerts in your inbox At least eight people are dead and others are wounded after a mass murder reported in the Louisiana city of Shreveport, according to local police . Police said that among the victims were children ranging in age from 18 months to 14 years. Two other women were reportedly shot in the head but su
Kids, aged 1 to 14, killed in mass shooting
Eight children, including a baby, have been killed in a mass shooting in the US, after a crazed gunman targeted his “descendants”.
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