Shreveport, Louisiana — A horrific mass shooting early Sunday morning claimed the lives of eight children in a quiet neighborhood here, leaving the community in shock and mourning.
Police say the incident began as a domestic disturbance around 6 a.m. on the 300 block of West 79th Street. Officers responded to reports of trouble and discovered a chaotic crime scene that stretched across three locations: two homes on West 79th Street and another on nearby Harrison Street. In total, ten people were shot. Eight of them — children ranging in age from 1 to 14 years old — died from their injuries. The two survivors have not been identified, and police have not released details about their conditions.
Shreveport Police spokesperson Christopher Bordelon described the scene as “extensive.” One victim even fled to a neighboring house after being shot. Authorities believe the suspect acted alone and was the only person who fired shots.
After the shooting, the alleged gunman left the area, carjacked a vehicle nearby, and led police on a chase into neighboring Bossier Parish. Officers eventually shot and killed the suspect during the pursuit. Police have not released the man’s name, but they said he was related to some of the children — describing them as his “descendants.”
A motive for the shooting has not been released, and the investigation is ongoing.
Neighbors were stunned by the violence. Mack London, a 71-year-old resident who has lived on the block since 1991, said he did not hear the gunfire. He only learned what happened when a neighbor told him around 7 a.m. as he stepped outside. By then, the street was filled with police cars, an ambulance, and onlookers.
“Nothing like this has ever happened on this street,” London said. “It was bad… I hate that it happened to those kids.”
Local leaders expressed deep sorrow. Shreveport Mayor Tom Arceneaux called it “maybe the worst tragic situation we’ve ever had in Shreveport.” Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry said he was “heartbroken over this horrific situation” and thanked first responders. U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson, who represents the area, described the event as a “heartbreaking tragedy” and said his team was in contact with local police.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims, their families, and the entire Shreveport community during this incredibly difficult time,” Johnson posted on X.
As investigators continue to piece together what led to the shootings, residents of the Cedar Grove neighborhood are left grappling with a loss that many say feels unimaginable in their once-peaceful community.