A quiet Louisiana morning shattered into horror when a father allegedly turned a family crisis into one of the deadliest mass shootings in recent US history, leaving eight children dead and a community reeling.

The violence unfolded in Shreveport, where police say what began as a "domestic disturbance" escalated into an unimaginable tragedy.

A rampage that stunned a city

Officers said the shooting began about 05:00 (10:00 GMT) on Sunday, when the suspect opened fire on multiple victims. By the time the chaos ended, 10 people had been shot.

Seven of the victims were the suspect’s own children. Another child killed was not related to him.

The children were aged from one year old to 14 years old, according to CBS.

Two adult women, including the mother of the children, are in critical condition.

Authorities identified the suspect as Shamar Elkins. Police said he fled the scene in a stolen car after the attack, triggering a pursuit that ended when officers shot and killed him.

"All of the deceased in this case are juveniles"

Police described a chilling sequence of events. Before entering the home, the suspect allegedly shot a woman on the street. He then went to a nearby residence where he carried out the killings.

"All of the deceased in this case are juveniles," police spokesperson Chris Bordelon said.

One child managed to escape and ran to a nearby home to call authorities. Another child jumped from the roof and survived but remains in hospital.

Police confirmed the gunman acted alone.

A family crisis turns deadly

While officials have not confirmed a motive, early indications point to a deeply personal conflict.

Family members told US media that Elkins and his wife were separating.

"After the first argument about the divorce, he acted like he was losing his mind," his brother-in-law Troy Brown told The Washington Post.

Crystal Brown, a cousin of one of the wounded women, said the couple had been due to appear in court on Monday.

"Maybe the worst tragic situation we've ever had"

Shreveport Mayor Tom Arceneaux did not hide the scale of the devastation.

"This is a tragic situation - maybe the worst tragic situation we've ever had in Shreveport," he said.

"We have hurting families, we have hurting police officers, coroners' personnel."

"This affects the entire community, so we all mourn with these families."

Police Chief Wayne Smith echoed that shock.

"I just cannot begin to imagine how such an event can occur," he said.

A deadly milestone in US gun violence

The massacre 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.

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

A surge in domestic violence concerns

Local leaders warned the tragedy underscores a broader and growing crisis.

Shreveport councilman Grayson Boucher said more than 30% of crimes and 30% of murders in the city were "domestic in relation".

"Now that number has gone up," he said.

"We've more than doubled our homicide in the city of Shreveport because of one act of domestic violence."

Investigation intensifies

Police said officers responded to the home shortly before 06:00 local time, quickly determining the call was "domestic in nature".

After the shooting, the suspect carjacked a vehicle and fled. Officers pursued him into Bossier Parish, where he was fatally shot.

Authorities said the investigation is ongoing, involving Louisiana State Police and multiple agencies.

"We are going to be working diligently however long it takes to get some answers to what has taken place," Smith said.

Leaders respond with grief and urgency

Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry said he and his wife were "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," he added.

House Speaker Mike Johnson also addressed the 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.