Gov Jeff Landry says his wife’s foundation will pay for funerals of Shreveport shooting victims

SHREVEPORT, LOUISIANA: Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry spoke with the media on Monday, April 20, following the tragedy that saw the killings of eight children on early Sunday morning after a domestic disturbance in Shreveport.

He said that the funeral costs of the victims will be taken care of by his wife Sharon Landry’s foundation —  Love One Louisiana.

7 out of 8 children killed in shooting were of suspect Shamar Elkins

The gunman, identified as Shamar Elkins, 31, fatally shot eight children between the ages of 3 and 11. Seven children were reportedly of his own, while one was his cousin.

The victims have been identified as Jayla Elkins, 3, Shayla Elkins, 5, Braylon Snow, 5, Khedarrion Snow, 6, Kayla Pugh, 6, Layla Pugh, 7, Markaydon Pugh, 10, and Sariahh Snow, 11.

Elkins also severely injured his wife and a woman believed to be his girlfriend. Eventually, Elkins, a former US Army National Guard member and UPS worker, was killed in a confrontation with police in Bossier City.

Gov Jeff Landry says Shreveport tragedy 'leaves way more questions than answers'

During a news conference in Shreveport on Monday, Landry said, “No amount of money or act of charity can repair the pain. But what we can lean on is that this act of charity can stand as a beacon of faith and the belief that good things still happen in this world.”

“It’s a tragedy that leaves way more questions than answers but the one thing that’s constant is the grief that remains,” he shared, before announcing that the first lady’s foundation “will be paying all of the expenses for the funerals of each one of these children.”

During the press conference, Kristi Gustavson, CEO of Community Foundation of North Louisiana, announced the opening of two new funds — April 19 Memorial Fund to prevent Domestic Violence and April 19 Survivors Fund.

Shreveport Mayor Tom Arceneaux added, “We have a very painful thing we're going through. What we know is that we can recover from this with the cooperation, the help, the generosity and the love of our community.”

Mike Johnson says he's holding the victims and their families in his prayers

Earlier, in a Facebook post, Governor Landry said he and his wife “are heartbroken over this horrific situation, and we’re praying for everyone affected. We’re deeply grateful to the law enforcement officers and first responders working tirelessly on the scene.”

Also, Speaker of the House Mike Johnson wrote on X (formerly Twitter), “Heartbreaking tragedy in Shreveport this morning — 8 children were senselessly killed and multiple others were injured. My team is in touch with local law enforcement as more details emerge.”

“We’re holding the victims, their families and loved ones, and our Shreveport community close in our thoughts and prayers during this incredibly difficult time. And we are grateful to the Shreveport, Bossier, and Louisiana State Police for their swift response,” he added.