A gunman in the south-eastern United States has killed eight children in domestic violence shootings at two different homes, police said.
The tragedy on Sunday (Monday AEST) was the nation's deadliest mass shooting in more than two years.
"This is an extensive scene unlike anything most of us have ever seen," said Chris Bordelon, spokesperson for the Shreveport Police Department in the state of Louisiana.
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The victims ranged in age from 1 to about 14 years old, Bordelon said, and some of the children were related to the suspect. A total of 10 people were shot.
The gunman later died after a chase with officers who fired at the suspect, Bordelon said. The suspect stole a car while leaving the scene of the shootings and was followed by police.
Police did not release the name of the suspect but did say he was an adult male.
Officials said they were still gathering details at the crime scenes south of downtown Shreveport - the two homes and a third location.
It was the deadliest mass shooting in the US 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.
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At a news conference outside the residence where one of the shootings occurred, officials appeared stunned, requesting patience and prayers from the community as they sorted through multiple crime scenes.
Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry and US 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.
Support is available from the National Sexual Assault, Domestic and Family Violence Counselling Service at 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732)
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