In the USA, a 31-year-old veteran shot eight children

The man who staged the shooting in Louisiana, which killed 8 children, including 7 of his own, turned out to be a 31-year-old US Army veteran Shamar Elkins. It is reported by The New York Post (NYP).

In 2016, Elkins' wife published a photo of him in a US Army uniform. The post was made a few days before the end of the man's term of service. Three years later, in 2019, Elkins was arrested on charges related to illegal possession of weapons and shooting near the school. He received a suspended sentence.

In the publications of Elkins himself on the social network, NYP notes, there were hints of mental health problems left by him. So, in a post made shortly before the attack, he called on God to "protect" his mind.

"Dear God, today I ask You to help me protect my mind and my emotions," the message dated April 9 says.

Elkins staged a shooting in three places in the city of Shreveport in the early morning of April 19, after which he disappeared. In total, according to law enforcement officers, ten shots were fired. During the pursuit, the attacker was killed by law enforcement officers. The motive of the shooting has not yet been established, the police continue to collect information.

Shreveport Mayor Tom Arsenault said earlier that the city is grieving.

"This is a tragic situation, perhaps the most terrible tragic situation that has ever happened in Shreveport," he said.