Baton Rouge, Louisiana, 20 April (H.S.): A gunman stormed into three homes in Shreveport, Louisiana, early Sunday and shot dead eight children in what has become the deadliest mass shooting in the United States since January 2024. The attack left the Shreveport community devastated, with witnesses and residents breaking down in tears at the scene.

According to the Caddo Parish Coroner’s Office, a 13-year-old boy was also injured after jumping from a roof while trying to escape. He reportedly suffered fractures.

CNN and CBS News reported that Shreveport police spokesperson Chris Bordelon said during a press conference that a total of 10 people were shot. The suspected gunman has been identified as Shamar Elkins, who was killed in a police shootout. The victims included three boys and five girls, seven of whom were siblings.

The children who died were identified as Jayla Elkins, 3; Shayla Elkins, 5; Kayla Peugh, 6; Layla Peugh, 7; Markedon Peugh, 10; Sariah Snow, 11; Khederion Snow, 6; and Breylon Snow, 5.

Police said two women sustained serious injuries in the shooting, while a teenager was also hurt. According to investigators, the suspect first shot a woman on the street before entering a nearby home and opening fire on eight people inside.

Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill said on X that multiple law enforcement agencies are investigating the case. State Representative Tammy Phelps said some children even tried to escape through the back door during the attack.

Police records show that Elkins had previously been arrested in 2019 in a weapons-related case. The U.S. Army said he also served for seven years in the Louisiana Army National Guard. Shreveport Mayor Tom Arceneaux said the incident had shaken the entire city.

According to the Gun Violence Archive, at least 114 mass shootings have taken place in the United States so far this year. City Council member Tabatha H. Taylor, who was at the scene, was seen crying and said the tragedy was the worst event in Shreveport’s history.

Police Chief Wayne Smith said he could barely comprehend how such a horrific incident could happen. House Speaker Mike Johnson, who represents the Shreveport area in Congress, called the killings heartbreaking and said the victims’ families are in the nation’s thoughts during this extremely difficult time.

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar