Eight children were killed in a shooting spree early Sunday in the southern U.S. state of Louisiana, in what police described as a domestic violence incident.
According to agency reports, the attack occurred just after 6:00 a.m. (1100 GMT) in the city of Shreveport and is the deadliest mass shooting in the United States in more than two years, based on data from the Gun Violence Archive.
However,the suspected gunman, an adult male, was fatally shot by police following a car chase after the incident, officials said.
Chris Bordelon , Police Corporal told a press conference that the “rather extensive crime scene” spanned multiple residences, which investigators were combing for evidence.
The victims ranged in age from one to 14,” Bordelon said. Two other people were struck by gunfire, but their conditions were not immediately known.
“Some of the children inside were his descendants,” he added.
Also, the suspect carjacked a vehicle and led police on a chase before officers opened fire, and the assailant was killed. No officers were injured, according to state police.
“We do believe him to be the only individual who fired gunshots at these locations,” Bordelon said, calling the incident a “domestic disturbance.”
Police noted that more details about the victims and the gunman would be released pending notification of next of kin.
ABC affiliate KTBS reported that the two people wounded were adult women who were shot in the head. The network also said a male child was injured when he jumped from the roof of one of the homes.
One of Louisiana’s two US senators, Republican Bill Cassidy, called the incident an episode of “horrific violence” and wished the survivors a speedy recovery.
Jeff Landry,Louisiana Governor said he was “heartbroken.”
United States, where firearms are readily available, is a frequent scene of gun violence, with thousands of people killed every year.
“It’s a terrible morning in Shreveport, and we all mourn with the victims,” Mayor Tom Arceneaux said at the press conference.
“It’s a terrible morning in Shreveport, and we all mourn with the victims,” Tom Arceneaux said during a press briefing.
