Eight Children Killed in Louisiana Mass Shooting in Domestic Violence Incident

Apr 19, 2026

Eight children aged one to 14 were killed in a domestic violence mass shooting in Shreveport, Louisiana, that began around 05:00 local time and spanned three residences on the same block. A single gunman shot 10 people total, with some of the child victims related to the shooter, before carjacking a vehicle and fleeing the scene. Shreveport Police pursued the suspect into another neighborhood and fatally shot him around 06:00 local time. Mayor Tom Arceneaux called it potentially the worst tragedy in Shreveport's history, while Governor Jeff Landry and House Speaker Mike Johnson thanked law enforcement for their response.

Details of the mass shooting incident

▪The Shreveport shooting incident began about 05:00 local time.
▪A single gunman shot 10 people in the Shreveport incident before fleeing in a stolen car.
▪The eight children killed in the Shreveport shooting ranged in age from one to 14 years old.
▪Shreveport Police described the shooting as a domestic disturbance.
▪The Shreveport shooting took place at two homes on the same block and a third residence in the neighborhood.
▪Shreveport Police officers attended a home shortly before 06:00 local time and found the children.

Law enforcement response and pursuit of the suspect

▪Shreveport Police did not identify the shooter or the victims to ensure family members are notified first.
▪Shreveport Police officers pursued the suspected gunman into another neighborhood and fired at the suspect.
▪The Shreveport shooting investigation is being conducted in coordination with the Louisiana State Police and with assistance from multiple other agencies.

Community and official reactions to the tragedy

▪Shreveport Mayor Tom Arceneaux called the shooting maybe the worst tragic situation Shreveport has ever had.
▪Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry expressed gratitude to law enforcement officers and first responders working on the scene.
▪Shreveport Mayor Tom Arceneaux described the shooting as affecting the entire community.
▪House Speaker Mike Johnson expressed gratitude for the quick response of local police to the Shreveport shooting.
▪House Speaker Mike Johnson represents the Louisiana district where the Shreveport shooting took place.
▪Shreveport Mayor Tom Arceneaux asked for prayers for the families and the city.