Gunman Shamar Elkins kills 8 children and 2 women in Louisiana before being shot by police.

Authorities identified Shamar Elkins, an Army veteran and father of seven, as the gunman who killed eight children and two women in Louisiana on April 19, 2026. Elkins was fatally shot by police during a pursuit after the attack, which occurred hours after he posted photos of himself with his children on social media. Officials believe he acted alone and had previously shared posts expressing mental health concerns.