The victims were aged from one to approximately 14 years, according to Shreveport police spokesperson Chris Bordelon. In total, 10 individuals were shot, and some of the children were related to the suspect, Bordelon stated.
The gunman subsequently died following a pursuit with officers who engaged the suspect in gunfire, Bordelon mentioned. The suspect hijacked a vehicle while fleeing the shooting scene, prompting police to pursue him, as per Bordelon’s account.
Authorities have not disclosed the suspect’s name but confirmed he was an adult male. The shootings stemmed from a “domestic disturbance,” Bordelon noted.
Also Read: India, US chief negotiators to begin three-day trade pact talks in Washington from April 20
Officials are still collecting information at the crime scenes located south of downtown Shreveport — including the two homes and an additional site. “This is an extensive scene, unlike anything most of us have ever encountered,” he said.
It represents the deadliest mass shooting in the US since eight individuals were killed in a Chicago suburb in January 2024, based on a database supported by The Associated Press and USA Today in collaboration with Northeastern University.
During a news conference outside one of the shooting locations, officials appeared overwhelmed and requested patience and prayers from the community as they navigated multiple crime scenes.
“I just don’t know how to express it; my heart is truly shattered,” Shreveport Police Chief Wayne Smith remarked. “I cannot fathom how such an event could transpire.” “This is a truly tragic situation — perhaps the most tragic we’ve ever faced,” stated Tom Arceneaux, the mayor of the city in northwestern Louisiana with a population of about 180,000.
Also Read: US, Cuban officials meet in Havana amid new diplomatic push
“It’s a dreadful morning.” Louisiana State Police have been requested by Shreveport police to take over the investigation. In a statement, state police confirmed no officers were injured during the shooting, which involved an officer following a police chase into Bossier City on Sunday morning.
State police urge anyone with photographs, videos, or information to share it with their detectives. Louisiana Gov Jeff Landry expressed in a statement that he and his wife were devastated. “We’re immensely thankful to the law enforcement officers and first responders working tirelessly at the scene,” he added.
(Edited by : Jomy Jos Pullokaran)
