The mayor of a city in northwestern Louisiana, United States, has described the killing of eight children in a mass shooting at two homes as possibly the worst tragedy the community has ever experienced.
Mayor Tom Arceneaux made the remark while reacting to the incident on Sunday, according to AP.
Police in Shreveport confirmed that eight children were killed by a gunman in what authorities described as a domestic-related shooting.
According to a Shreveport Police spokesperson, Chris Bordelon, a total of 10 people, aged between one and about 14 years old, were shot during the incident.
Bordelon explained that the suspect later died following a chase with officers, who fired at him. The gunman had reportedly stolen a vehicle while fleeing the scene before being pursued by police.
Authorities have not released the identity of the suspect but confirmed he was an adult male.
Officials also disclosed that investigations were ongoing across multiple locations linked to the shootings, including two homes and a third site south of downtown Shreveport. Some of the children involved were said to be related to the suspect.
“This is an extensive scene unlike anything most of us have ever seen,” Bordelon said.
At a news conference held outside one of the affected residences, officials appeared visibly shaken as they appealed for patience and prayers from the community while piecing together details from the scenes.
“I just don’t know what to say; my heart is just taken aback,” Shreveport Police Chief Wayne Smith said. “I cannot begin to imagine how such an event could occur.”
Reacting to the incident, Arceneaux said, “This is a tragic situation — maybe the worst tragic situation we’ve ever had. It’s a terrible morning.”
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