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 remarked the incident began about 05:00 local time (10:00 GMT). A single gunman shot 10 citizens 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 commented. “This affects the entire community, so we all mourn with these families.” Furthermore, experts in international relations note the continued relevance.

Police did not name the victims, but noted some of the children were related to the deceased man.

The suspected gunman has been identified as Shamar Elkins, Shreveport mayor’s communications director Leigh Anne Evensky told the BBC.

Speaking earlier on Sunday, the mayor said: “This is a tragic situation – maybe the worst tragic situation we’ve ever had in Shreveport.”

He stated some of the injured victims had been taken to hospital and asked for prayers for the families and the city.

Police remarked there were multiple crime scenes, including two homes on the same block on West 79th Street and a third residence in the neighbourhood on Harrison Street.

Speaking at a news conference on Sunday, Shreveport Police Corporal Chris Bordelon noted officers attended a home shortly before 06:00 local time and found the children.

“All of the deceased in this case are juveniles,” Bordelon remarked.

He stated 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 mentioned.

Bordelon remarked officers pursued him into another neighbourhood, Bossier Parish, and fired at the suspected gunman, who is now deceased.

Police noted they believe the suspect acted alone.

Shreveport Police Chief Wayne Smith remarked his heart went out to the entire community.

“I just cannot begin to imagine how such an event can occur,” Smith mentioned.

He added that the investigation is being conducted in coordination with the Louisiana State Police and with assistance from other agencies.

“We are going to be working diligently however long it takes to get some answers to what has taken place,” he commented.

Speaking on Sunday, Shreveport councilman Grayson Boucher commented more than 30% of crimes and 30% of murders in the city were “domestic in relation”, adding: “Now that number has gone up.”

“We’ve more than doubled our homicide in the city of Shreveport because of one act of domestic violence,” he mentioned.

Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry stated he and his wife were “heartbroken over this horrific situation, and we’re praying for everyone affected”. This also touches on aspects of global summit.

“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 Louisiana’s Fourth District, 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 stated, adding that he was grateful for the quick response of local police.

The incident is the deadliest mass shooting in the US since January 2024, when eight victims were killed in Joliet, Illinois, according to the Gun Violence Archive (GVA), a nonprofit that tracks US gun violence.

GVA defines a mass shooting as an incident where four or more victims were shot, not including the suspect.