A gunman killed eight children in domestic-related shootings at different homes in Louisiana before being killed during a pursuit by police officers, authoirites have said.
Shreveport police spokesperson Chris Bordelon said the victims ranged in age from one to about 14 years old. A total of 10 people were shot, he said.
The gunman later died after a chase with officers who fired at the suspect, Bordelon said.
The suspect stole a car while leaving the scene of the shootings and was followed by police, according to Bordelon.
Police enter a house that is is one of the locations tied to a mass shooting. Credit: AP
Officials said they were still gathering details about the crime scene in the city of Shreveport, which extended across three locations.
Some of the children shot were related to the suspect, Bordelon said, describing it as a “domestic disturbance.”
Police said the attacks began in a neighbourhood south of downtown Shreveport when the suspect shot a woman at one home and then drove to the other location “where this heinous act was carried out.”
State Representative Tammy Phelps said some children tried to escape out the back door. “I can’t even imagine what the police officers, first responders actually dealt with when they got here today,” she said at a news conference.
Investigators have not yet released a motive behind the attack or the identity of the attacker, except that he was an adult man.
Police said two women who were shot and wounded were being treated for serious injuries.
“This is an extensive scene, unlike anything most of us have ever seen,” Bordelon said.
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At a news conference outside the residence where one of the shootings occurred, officials appeared stunned, requesting patience and prayers from the community as they sorted through multiple crime scenes.
“I just don’t know what to say, my heart is just taken aback,” Shreveport Police Chief Wayne Smith said. “I cannot begin to imagine how such an event could occur.”
“This is a tragic situation — maybe the worst tragic situation we’ve ever had,” said Tom Arceneaux, mayor of the city in northwestern Louisiana with about 180,000 residents. “It’s a terrible morning.”
Louisiana State Police say their detectives have been asked by Shreveport police to investigate.
Police tape blocks off a house connected to the shooting. Credit: AP
In a statement, state police say no officers were harmed in the shooting that involved an officer after a police pursuit on Sunday morning.
State police are asking anyone with pictures, video or information to share it with state police detectives.
Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry and US House Speaker Mike Johnson, who is from Shreveport, said in separate statements that they were heartbroken and praised law enforcement for their response.
“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 in a statement.
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