Federal Charges Filed After Assault Rifle Used in Deadly Shreveport Shooting Was Stolen from Truck

Authorities in Shreveport, Louisiana, have filed federal charges against a man whose stolen assault-style firearm was used in a shooting that left eight children dead over the weekend. Court documents released Tuesday revealed new details about the weapon's origins and the ongoing investigation into one of the deadliest mass shootings in the United States in recent years.

According to federal court records, Charles Ford told investigators that he suspected Shamar Elkins, the alleged shooter and father of seven of the children killed, had taken the gun from his truck in early March. Ford reported noticing the firearm was missing around March 9 and confronted Elkins, but the discussion ended after Elkins reacted poorly, an affidavit states.

Following the shooting on Sunday, Ford initially denied ever having the weapon when questioned by authorities. He now faces charges of being a felon in possession of a firearm and making a false statement to federal agents. Federal prosecutors have confirmed that Ford does not currently have legal representation and is expected to be assigned a federal public defender.

The tragedy unfolded before dawn across two homes in a Shreveport neighborhood. Eight children, ranging in age from 3 to 11, were killed. Elkins' wife and another woman also sustained gunshot wounds but survived. Shamar Elkins died after fleeing the scene and being pursued by police, though officials have not determined whether his fatal wound was self-inflicted or the result of police gunfire.

Elkins had a prior felony for illegal use of weapons and, under Louisiana law, would have been prohibited from owning a gun for 10 years following the conclusion of his probation. Authorities have not specified whether Elkins was in legal possession of a firearm at the time of the shooting.

Community leaders and advocates are calling for reforms to the state's gun laws in the wake of the violence, with ongoing debate over measures including red flag laws. Officials say the investigation is ongoing as they work to hold all responsible parties accountable.