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Shreveport Holds Funeral for 8 Children Killed in April Mass Shooting

Federal and state investigations continue into how the rifle reached a convicted felon.

Caskets for the eight children killed during a mass shooting last month are seen during funeral services for the children Saturday, May 9, 2026, at the Summer Grove Baptist Church in Shreveport, La. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
Shreveport Mayor Tom Arceneaux speaks during funeral services for the eight children who were killed during a mass shooting last month, Saturday, May 9, 2026, at the Summer Grove Baptist Church in Shreveport, La. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
Former Rep. Gabby Giffords, D-Ariz., center, stands during funeral services for the eight children who were killed during a mass shooting last month, Saturday, May 9, 2026, at the Summer Grove Baptist Church in Shreveport, La. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
Shreveport Mayor Tom Arceneaux speaks during funeral services for the eight children who were killed during a mass shooting last month, Saturday, May 9, 2026, at the Summer Grove Baptist Church in Shreveport, La. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

Overview

  • Mourners filled Summer Grove Baptist Church on Saturday for a public funeral, with eight white caskets displayed beside photos of the children.
  • The victims were seven siblings and a cousin ages 3 to 11 who were shot on April 19 in what police described as a domestic attack by their father, Shamar Elkins.
  • Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry ordered flags at state buildings lowered through May 17 to honor the children.
  • Federal prosecutors have charged Charles Ford and Michael Mayence on firearms counts in a probe of how Elkins obtained an assault-style rifle despite a 2019 felony conviction.
  • State police are reviewing the pursuit in which Elkins died, and investigators have not said whether officers’ gunfire or a self-inflicted shot caused his death.