Louisiana Shooting: A 31-year-old Louisiana man fatally shot eight children in a horrific early morning rampage across two Shreveport homes on Sunday, April 19. The attack claimed seven of his own children and one of their cousins. Consequently, this tragedy now stands as the nation’s deadliest mass shooting in over two years.
Shreveport Police Department spokesperson Chris Bordelon identified the gunman as Shamar Elkins, 31. Furthermore, police confirmed that two women, including the gunman’s wife and the mother of the children, suffered critical gunshot wounds.
How the Attack Unfolded
Just before sunrise, Elkins launched his deadly assault. First, he shot a woman at one home, then drove to a second location “where this heinous act was carried out.” Subsequently, police responded to reports of shots fired in Shreveport’s Cedar Grove community, just after 6 a.m. Meanwhile, one child was found dead on the roof after apparently trying to escape, while another jumped off the roof and survived after being taken to a hospital. Additionally, State Rep. Tammy Phelps confirmed that some children attempted to escape through the back door.
The Caddo Parish Coroner’s office confirmed the children killed were three boys and five girls, ranging in age from 3 to 11. Specifically, the coroner identified the victims as Jayla Elkins, 3; Shayla Elkins, 5; Kayla Pugh, 6; Layla Pugh, 7; Markaydon Pugh, 10; Sariahh Snow, 11; Khedarrion Snow, 6; and Braylon Snow, 5.
Elkins spent seven years in the Louisiana Army National Guard before that. Still, he never served overseas and left the Army as a private in 2020. Before that, in 2019, he admitted to a weapons charge. Elkins’ mother and stepfather told The New York Times he felt stressed because his wife wanted a divorce. His stepfather said Elkins confessed to drowning himself in his “dark thoughts” before the attack.
After the shootings, Elkins stole a car at gunpoint and ran. During the chase, officers shot at the suspect and killed him. So, the Louisiana State Police opened an investigation after an officer was involved in a shooting.
Community and Official Reactions
Shreveport Mayor Tom Arceneaux said the situation was “maybe the worst tragic event” the city has ever faced. House Speaker Mike Johnson, who represents the Shreveport area, called the killings “heartbreaking,” and promised prayers for both the victims and the community.
Former Congresswoman Gabby Giffords also issued a statement condemning it as “a devastating act of domestic gun violence,” saying she is outraged that children keep being forced to face it.
City Councilmember Tabatha Taylor broke down in tears and called for more mental health resources, insisting, “This is not a freaking joke!”It’s real, and it happens when someone finally snaps.
The Gun Violence Archive says the US has already had at least 114 mass shootings this year. Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry wrote on social media that he and his wife are devastated by the terrible situation.
The White House said it was keeping a close watch on events. In the meantime, investigators are still piecing together a complete timeline of how the massacre unfolded.
“Sources: CNN, CBS News, ABC News/AP, Al Jazeera, NBC News”
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