Authorities revealed that the children were part of a group of 10 people who were shot during what police described as a “domestic disturbance.” As the investigation is ongoing, officials have stated that more details will emerge as they continue to piece together the events of the morning.

Besides the tragic loss of life, two women sustained serious injuries and are currently receiving medical treatment. Additionally, a teenager was injured, but their injuries are not considered life-threatening, according to the police.

This devastating shooting marks the deadliest in the United States in over two years, highlighting the urgent need for discussions around gun violence and safety.

During a briefing on Sunday, Shreveport Police spokesperson Christopher Bordelon provided initial insights into the unfolding investigation, emphasizing the gravity of the situation and the need for a thorough inquiry.

Shreveport Police spokesperson Christopher Bordelon shared preliminary information about the investigation during a brief news conference held midday Sunday.

Bordelon said police were investigating a “very large scene” across four locations. 

Police responded around 6 a.m. local time to a call about a domestic disturbance in a residential neighborhood. They found a crime scene at two homes on the same street and a third on a street nearby.

Preliminary information shows the suspect first shot a woman on Harrison Street before going to a house on West 79th Street where he shot the other victims, police said in a news release Sunday afternoon.

Shreveport Police said the suspected gunman carjacked a vehicle near the crime scenes and led law enforcement on a pursuit that ended in nearby Bossier City, which police identify as the fourth scene.

Officers shot and killed the man, who they believe is the only gunman. Police said they will identify him at a later time.

The man’s children were believed to be among the dead, police said.

“It’s a terrible morning in Shreveport,” said Mayor Tom Arceneaux during the news conference.

“We have a hurting community,” Arceneaux said. “We have hurting families. And we have hurting police officers, coroners’ personnel, fire department, sheriffs’ people — this affects the entire community. We all mourn with these families.”

When police confirmed the details about the children during the news conference, attendees were heard crying out and gasping after learning about the tragic developments.

“I just don’t know what to say,” said Shreveport Police Chief Wayne Smith. “My heart is just taken aback. I just cannot begin to imagine how such an event can occur.” 

Police expect to release the name of the shooting suspect and more information about the investigation in the coming days.

Liza Demming, who lives two houses down from where one of the attacks happened, said her security camera captured video of the suspect running away along with the sound of two shots.

“That’s’ pretty much all I saw, was him running out of the house and the cars leaving,” she said.

Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry and U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson, who is from Shreveport, said in separate statements that they were heartbroken and praised law enforcement for their response.

“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,” Johnson said in a statement.

It was the deadliest mass shooting in the U.S. since eight people were killed in a Chicago suburb in January 2024, according to a database maintained by The Associated Press and USA Today in partnership with Northeastern University.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.