The shooting occurred around 6:00 AM CDT in the Cedar Grove neighborhood of Shreveport, leaving ten people shot in total. The victims ranged in age from 1 to 14 years old, with some of the children related to the suspect. According to multiple reports, seven of the victims were the suspect's own children, and an eighth was his nephew. This incident represents the deadliest mass shooting in the U.S. in over two years, according to major media outlets.
Young children were specifically targeted in the attack, which unfolded across a horrifying crime scene. The crime scene extended across multiple locations, including two homes and a third location. According to major media reports, seven children were found dead inside a house, and one was found dead on the roof after trying to escape. A child jumped off the roof and survived, according to multiple reports. According to apnews.com, Liza Demming described seeing one of the child victims, who had already been covered, laying on the roof of the house.
Shameful.
Conflicting information exists about the suspect's identity. According to multiple reports, the suspect was a 31-year-old man named Shamar Elkins. However, police have not released the name of the suspect, creating confusion about whether the identity has been officially confirmed. This discrepancy affects public information and potential family notifications.
The violent aftermath saw the suspect flee the scene, commit a carjacking, and lead police on a chase before being shot and killed by officers. The suspect is deceased. It is unclear whether the suspect died due to a self-inflicted wound or by police, according to research sources. The Louisiana State Police are investigating the officer-involved shooting, according to research sources.
My security camera captured video of the gunman running away toward a tire shop.
Police believe the violence was entirely a domestic incident. The shooting reportedly began as a family dispute, according to Shreveport Police Chief Wayne Smith. The suspect had a relationship with one or both of the women, but it's not clear, according to the mayor. According to apnews.com, Liza Demming described never hearing anything like a fight or argument prior to the shooting.
Two adult women were wounded in the shooting, but details about their condition and identities remain unclear. A discrepancy exists regarding the adult survivors: some reports indicate two adult women, including the suspect's wife, survived with gunshot wounds to the head, while others state two adult women are being treated for gunshot wounds. This could impact understanding of the domestic nature and severity of the incident. U.S. Representative Cleo Fields stated he is praying for the injured women.
I could hear two shots on the audio.
The investigation continues as authorities work to piece together the events. Information about the shooting is scarce, according to official sources. The exact motive behind the shooting remains unknown, as does how the suspect obtained the firearm used. Specific events that led to the shooting starting as a family dispute are not yet clear, and it is uncertain whether there were any prior incidents or warnings involving the suspect that authorities were aware of.
This tragedy adds to a grim national statistic. According to Mass Shooting Tracker, 136 mass shootings have occurred in the U.S. so far in 2026. Former U.S. Representative Gabby Giffords declared that all should be outraged by such violence against children and that the country is failing to keep them safe.
I later saw one of the child victims, who had already been covered, laying on the roof of the house.
In international news, Ukraine's patrol police chief Yevhen Zhukov resigned after a mass shooting in Kyiv that killed at least six people and injured 14, according to major media reports. According to Expressen, Yevhen Zhukov described the situation as shameful. Separately, a possible plane incident was reported in Hallbergs kommun, Örebro län, Sweden, involving a small propeller plane that may have made an emergency landing, according to multiple reports. Iran announced it will boycott negotiations in Islamabad if the U.S. does not lift the blockade of Iranian ports, according to Iranian officials.
In an unrelated scandal, former Norwegian diplomat Mona Juul is leaving the Norwegian Foreign Ministry due to reports linking her to Jeffrey Epstein, according to multiple reports. According to major media reports, Mona Juul and her husband Terje Rød-Larsen had connections to Epstein, and their children were bequeathed $10 million by him.
I never heard anything like a fight or argument.
Community and political leaders expressed profound grief over the Shreveport shooting. Shreveport Mayor Tom Arceneaux called it a tragic situation. Shreveport Police Chief Wayne Smith said his heart is taken aback. House Speaker Mike Johnson called the incident heartbreaking. U.S. Representative Cleo Fields expressed support for the investigation and noted the crime scene spanned four locations. Keith Burton, Superintendent of Caddo Parish Public Schools, urged the community to take care of children and support families.