Khaberni - A crowd of mourners bid farewell on Saturday to eight children who were killed in a mass shooting last month in Shreveport, Louisiana, by an attack carried out by the father of most of the victims.
The ceremonies, which were held at Summer Grove Baptist Church, were led by grieving families and eight white coffins, while centered around a poignant sermon delivered by Pastor Kim Burrell, who reminded the attendees, in search of answers, that even in the face of the unimaginable, "God still reigns on the throne".
Pastor Kim Burrell, who is also a gospel singer, told the mourners: "When we ask: Why is this happening, Oh God? How can this happen, Lord?.. He is still God."
He added: "He is the same God who healed you from things you don't want to tell anyone about. But He is a God who doesn't have to give us all the answers. Just know that He makes no mistakes."
Shamar Elkins, father of seven of the victims, had fired at the children with an assault rifle last April, after managing to obtain the weapon despite a previous felony conviction related to possession of firearms. His wife and another woman were also injured, while the eighth child killed was a cousin of the victims. Elkins was killed after fleeing during a police pursuit of him.
The funeral booklet dedicated pages to honor the children, whose ages ranged from 3 to 11 years, with nicknames and descriptions of their personalities, such as: "kind-hearted and loving", "intelligent, bright, bold, and full of love".
Among the speakers was also Shreveport City Council member Tabatha Taylor, who emphasized that "there are no words sufficient to ease this pain", while fellow Council member James Green urged attendees to consider the funeral a "celebration" of the lives of the victims.
Shreveport Mayor Tom Arceneaux expressed the city’s condolences, saying that citizens should "honor the children by continuing the kindness, joy, and love that they freely gave".
Louisiana Governor Tom Landry echoed the mayor's words, saying: "They were full of hope, finding joy in the simplest things, like dancing and playing outdoors, and laughing with family and friends... They had promising and bright futures ahead of them".
The audience applauded the speakers, as the victims' names were read and their photos were displayed throughout the funeral ceremony, while the coffins were adorned with white flowers and ferns.
Later, federal investigators charged two men in connection with the case. Charles Ford was charged with possession of a firearm despite a prior conviction, as well as supplying Elkins with the assault rifle used in the shooting.
Michael Maines also faced charges related to firearms after police found several guns at his home, while the investigation continues.
