The recent mass murder in Shreveport, Louisiana, represents the most lethal mass shooting in the United States in the past two years. However, it is fundamentally rooted in the devastating reality of domestic violence, not a random act of aggression.

The Shreveport Tragedy

Shamar Elkins, a Shreveport resident, reportedly used a weapon against his family, resulting in the deaths of eight children – seven of whom were his own. One child escaped the violence by fleeing to the roof. Elkins also wounded two women, including his wife, Shaneiqua Pugh.

A Familiar Pattern of Violence

Witnessing this level of violence in my hometown brings a haunting familiarity. My own mother, a Shreveport resident and survivor of three abusive relationships, serves as a stark reminder of the precariousness of survival. While she survived being shot and assaulted, many Black women are not so fortunate, as evidenced by the increasing number of fatal domestic incidents nationwide.

Beyond Mental Health

Public discourse often attributes such acts to mental health crises, using individual struggles to avoid confronting deeper societal issues. While Shamar Elkins reportedly struggled with suicidal ideation, mental health alone is an insufficient explanation for the execution of his family.

The Role of Patriarchy

Systemic Conditioning

We must confront the systemic influence of patriarchy. Within the frameworks of white supremacist capitalist patriarchy, men are conditioned to equate their worth with ownership, measuring status by family size and control. When women challenge these constructs by seeking independence, the reaction can be explosive and lethal.

The Rise of Extremism

The alarming rise of the manosphere and right-wing extremist ideologies has emboldened a worldview where women and children are seen as property, not individuals with autonomy. This is worsened by a cultural and political environment that is regressing in its treatment of women.

A National Crisis

From legislative attacks on reproductive health to the influence of Christian nationalism, the message is clear: women are expected to submit. In cities like Shreveport, where traditional hierarchies are enforced, leaving a dangerous partner can carry a death sentence. The United States is facing an escalating crisis of femicide, disproportionately affecting Black women. These massacres are the logical conclusion of a society committed to patriarchal domination. Until this country abandons its obsession with gendered submission, women asserting their right to safety will continue to pay the ultimate price.