8 Children Die In US Domestic Shooting Spree

Eight children have been killed in a shooting incident early Sunday in the southern US state of Louisiana, in what authorities said appeared to be a case of domestic violence.

The attack occurred shortly after 6:00 a.m. (1100 GMT) in Shreveport and is being described as the deadliest mass shooting in the United States in over two years, according to data from the Gun Violence Archive.

Police said the suspected gunman, an adult male whose identity has not yet been released, was shot dead by officers following a car chase after the incident.

Speaking at a press briefing, Police Corporal Chris Bordelon said investigators were working across a “rather extensive crime scene” spanning three separate residences.

The victims, he confirmed, were aged between one and 14 years, while two other individuals sustained gunshot injuries, though their conditions were not immediately known.

“Some of the children inside were his descendants,” Bordelon said, describing the incident as a “domestic disturbance.”

Authorities said the suspect carjacked a vehicle after the shootings and led officers on a pursuit before police opened fire, killing him. No officers were injured during the operation.

Police added that preliminary findings indicated the suspect acted alone.

Further details about the victims and the gunman were expected to be released after next of kin have been notified.

Local broadcaster KTBS reported that the two injured victims were adult women who sustained gunshot wounds to the head, while a male child was hurt after jumping from the roof of one of the houses.

Reacting to the tragedy, US Senator Bill Cassidy described the incident as an act of “horrific violence,” expressing hope for the recovery of the injured.

Governor Jeff Landry said he was “heartbroken” by the development.

Mayor Tom Arceneaux also expressed grief, saying, “It’s a terrible morning in Shreveport, and we all mourn with the victims.”

The United States continued to grapple with frequent incidents of gun violence, with thousands of fatalities recorded annually.

AFP