A Tragedy That Shook Shreveport
Shreveport Congressman Cleo Fields expressed profound sorrow over a mass shooting that claimed the lives of eight children in Louisiana’s third-largest city on April 19. The incident, which left the community in shock, has been described as one of the most tragic events in the city’s history.
“Our prayers are with the loved ones, the city of Shreveport and the entire state,” Fields said in an interview with USA Today Network. His 6th Congressional District includes West 79th Street, where the shootings occurred.
Fields emphasized the importance of support and solidarity during such difficult times. Members of his Shreveport congressional office staff are actively present at the site of the shooting, offering comfort and assistance to those affected.
“We’re there standing with the community and grieving with the community,” Fields said.
Details of the Tragedy
According to a spokesperson with the Shreveport police department, the shootings took place on Sunday, April 19, and were believed to be a domestic incident. Ten people were shot in total, with eight children losing their lives. The victims ranged in age from 1 to 12 years old, according to Shreveport Police Department spokesperson Christopher Bordelon.
“It’s indescribably disturbing,” Fields said. “I’ve been on the phone with elected officials to offer whatever support we can provide.”
At a time like this, Fields believes it is crucial for leaders to be engaged and provide comfort to the families and community. “That’s pretty much what we can do at this point,” he added.
The two adults who were shot and wounded are women. One of them remains in critical condition. “I am also praying for the two women who were injured — one of whom remains in critical condition — and I ask that all of Louisiana join me in lifting them up,” Fields said in a statement.
A Community in Grief
Fields acknowledged the impact of the tragedy on the city, referencing Mayor Tom Arceneaux’s comments about it being perhaps one of the worst tragedies Shreveport has ever seen. He highlighted the extensive crime scene, which spanned four locations, and the loss of eight children aged from 1 to 14 years old.
“There are no words,” Fields said. He expressed full confidence in the leadership of Police Chief Wayne Smith, Mayor Arceneaux, the Shreveport Police Department, and Louisiana State Police as they work through the painful investigation.
“I also commend the Shreveport City Council for their swift response and their commitment to organizing a community prayer vigil for the people of Cedar Grove. I encourage all residents to stand together in this moment of grief. Shreveport is a resilient community, and we will get through this together.”
A Broader Context
The shootings in Shreveport represent the deadliest mass shooting since January 2024, when a gunman shot and killed eight people in a suburb of Chicago, according to a USA TODAY and Associated Press database. The database defines a mass shooting as an attack in which four people are killed, not including the suspect.
