A shooter killed eight children in Shreveport, Louisiana, on Sunday, local police said.
“This is an extensive scene unlike anything most of us have ever seen,” Shreveport police chief Wayne Smith told reporters.
Officials said the youngest victim was 1 and the oldest 14; two adults were also shot. Police said the crime scene spanned three locations and described the incident as a “domestic disturbance.” Further details on the victims will be released after next of kin are notified.
Local police representative Chris Bordelon said the dispute began early Sunday morning when a man opened fire and is believed to have acted alone. Bordelon told NBC that some of the children shot were the suspect’s “descendants.”
The suspect attempted to flee in a stolen car and was shot by police; no officers were injured. State police asked anyone with photos, videos or information to share them with Louisiana authorities.
“This is a tragic situation — maybe the worst tragic situation we’ve ever had,” Mayor Tom Arceneaux said. Shreveport is Louisiana’s third-largest city, near the Texas border.
Edited by: Sean Sinico