Eight children, aged from one to 14 years old, have been killed in a shooting in Shreveport, Louisiana, which police are describing as a "domestic disturbance".
Officers said the incident began about 05:00 local time (10:00 BST). A single gunman shot 10 people before fleeing in a stolen car. Police then chased and killed the suspected shooter.
"We have hurting families, we have hurting police officers, coroners' personnel," Shreveport Mayor Tom Arceneaux said. "This affects the entire community, so we all mourn with these families."
Police did not identify the suspected gunman or the victims, but said some of the children were related to the deceased man.
"This is a tragic situation - maybe the worst tragic situation we've ever had in Shreveport," the mayor added. He asked for prayers for the families and the city.
Police said the shooting took place at two homes on the same block and a third residence in the neighbourhood.
Shreveport Police Corporal Chris Bordelon said officers attended a home shortly before 06:00 local time and found the children.
"All of the deceased in this case are juveniles," Bordelon said.
He said officers determined the call was "domestic in nature" and added that one of those shot at the home had fled to a nearby residence.After the shooting the suspected gunman carjacked a vehicle and started to flee, police said.
Bordelon said officers pursued him into another neighbourhood, and fired at the suspected gunman who is now deceased.
Shreveport Police Department Cars and a police tape at the scene of a shooting in LouisianaShreveport Police Department
Police did not identify the shooter or the victims, saying they wanted to ensure family members are notified.Shreveport Police Chief Wayne Smith said his heart went out to the entire community.
"I just cannot begin to imagine how such an event can occur," Smith said.
He added that the investigation is being conducted in coordination with the Louisiana State Police and with assistance from multiple other agencies.
"We are going to be working diligently however long it takes to get some answers to what has taken place," he said.
Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry said he and his wife are "heartbroken over this horrific situation, and we're praying for everyone affected".
"We're deeply grateful to the law enforcement officers and first responders working tirelessly on the scene," Landry added.
House Speaker Mike Johnson, who represents the Louisiana district where the shooting took place, has also commented on the "heartbreaking tragedy".
"We're holding the victims, their families and loved ones, and our Shreveport community close in our thoughts and prayers during this incredibly difficult time," he said, adding that he was grateful for the quick response of local police.
Police did not share any information about this individual, but Bordelon told NBC that some of the slain children "were his descendants."
The incident occurred in Shreveport, northwestern Louisiana.
“This is a rather extensive crime scene spanning between two residences,” Shreveport Police Corporal Chris Bordelon told a press conference, adding that a third residence was also part of the scene being combed by investigators.
To other people were struck by gunfire, but their conditions were not immediately known.
Officials said they were still gathering details about the crime scene, which extended across three locations. Police Chief Wayne Smith said the suspected shooter was fatally shot by police during a vehicle chase.
“This is an extensive scene, unlike anything most of us have ever seen,” Smith added.
Louisiana State Police say their detectives have been asked by Shreveport police to investigate. In a statement, state police say no officers were harmed in the shooting that involved an officer after a police pursuit into Bossier City on Sunday morning.
State police are asking anyone with pictures, video or information to share it with state police detectives.
School shootings are not uncommon in US.
Two children were killed and 17 other people were injured in August 2025 after a gunman opened fire on schoolchildren and others at a Mass in a Minneapolis Catholic church, authorities said. The gunman took his own life at the scene.
Below are some of the deadliest and most notable multiple shootings in US schools and colleges, ranked by death toll:
VIRGINIA TECH: April 16, 2007 - A gunman kills 32 students and faculty before killing himself at Virginia Tech, a university in Blacksburg, Virginia.
SANDY HOOK: December 14, 2012 - A man fatally shoots his mother, then kills 20 children and six adults before killing himself at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut.
UVALDE: May 24, 2022 - A man fatally shoots 19 students and two teachers at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas, before he was shot dead by Border Patrol agents.
PARKLAND: February 14, 2018 - A former student at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, opens fire with an assault-style rifle, killing 17 students and educators. Authorities arrest the gunman.
AUSTIN: August 1, 1966 - A sniper perched in a University of Texas clock tower shoots and kills 15 people, and wounds more than 30 others in what is regarded as the first U.S. mass shooting in a public space. The gunman is fatally shot by police.
