Shamar Elkins

Shamar Elkins, a 31-year-old man, is the suspect in a mass shooting that occurred in Shreveport, Louisiana, on Sunday, April 20, 2026. He is newsworthy due to the severity of the crime, which is the deadliest mass shooting in the US in over two years. Elkins fatally shot eight children, seven of whom were his own offspring, and one a cousin. He also critically injured his wife and another woman. The shooting took place in northwestern Louisiana. The incident has drawn national attention and sparked grief, with a makeshift memorial established at the scene. The motive behind the shooting remains under investigation. This event highlights the ongoing issue of gun violence in the United States.