A man shot and killed eight children, seven of whom were his own, before being fatally shot by police in Shreveport, Louisiana.
Shreveport Police Department spokesperson Chris Bordelon told Al Jazeera that the attack took place on Sunday, April 19 morning at two separate homes.
The victims were between the ages of 1 and 14, and the gunman also shot two adults who are in critical condition. According to the outlet, one of the adults was the mother of the seven children.
Shreveport authorities identified the gunman as Shamar Elkins and said he first shot a woman on the street before entering a nearby home. Once inside, he killed eight children, seven of whom were his relatives and one who was not. Officers confirmed he acted alone.
Police were alerted after one of the victims escaped the house and called for help. Another child survived by jumping from the roof and is being treated in hospital, according to the Shreveport police spokesperson.
The gunman later died after an intense chase with law enforcement. According to AFP, the pursuit began after Elkins allegedly stole a car at gunpoint, prompting officers to open fire during the attempt to stop him.
While investigators are still determining the motive, authorities are treating the case as a personal or family dispute. Shreveport Police spokesperson Bordelon noted detectives believe it was not a random attack.
“This is an extensive scene, unlike anything most of us have ever seen,” Bordelon said.
Shreveport Mayor Tom Arceneaux said, “This is a tragic situation, maybe the worst tragic situation we’ve ever had in Shreveport. We have hurting families, we have hurting police officers, coroners’ personnel. This affects the entire community, so we all mourn with these families.”
On social media, users reacted with shock and grief.
On Instagram, Chantelly wrote, “Taking the lives of innocent children is the most inhumane and selfish thing you can do.”
Another user, Laquita, added, “Those poor babies. May they rest in peace in heaven.”