Clergy and politicians held a funeral on Saturday Eight children Who was he? Killed in a mass shooting Last month in Louisiana.
The victims of the April 19 shooting in Shreveport included seven siblings who were shot by their father in an attack that also killed their cousin.
The service on Mother’s Day weekend at Summer Grove Baptist Church began with a long procession of mourners who slowly filed past eight white boxes with large photos of children beside them. Golden crowns and bouquets of white flowers were placed on top of the closed boxes. A choir behind the altar and individual singers perform throughout the service.
“Despite how you may feel today, we still need to know that God is still good,” Bishop Bernard Kimball, senior pastor of Mount Olive Baptist Church, said in his opening remarks.
The funeral booklet contained the following: Greetings to all of the childrenwhose ages ranged from 3 to 11 years. Some had affectionate nicknames: 3-year-old Jayla Elkins was “Jaybae”; Kayla Pugh, 6, was called “K-Mae,” and 10-year-old Markaydon Pugh was called “K-Bug.”
Six-year-old Khaidarion Snow had a “sweet and loving heart,” and “although his life on earth was short, his light was great,” according to the booklet. Layla Pugh, 7, was “bright, smart, sassy and full of love” and enjoyed making TikTok videos with her siblings and cousins.
Pastor and gospel singer Kim Burrell reminded family and community members trying to make sense of the shooting that “God is still on the throne.”
To ask the question: “Why is this fair, God?” How could you, Lord?” “He’s still God,” Burrell said. “The same God who healed you of the things you didn’t want to tell anyone about. But He is a God who does not have to give us all the clues. Just know that he doesn’t make any mistakes.”
father of children, Shamar Alkinsused an assault weapon despite a felony firearms conviction in 2019. His wife, who was seeking a divorce, and another woman were wounded in the shooting that spanned two homes in a Shreveport neighborhood.
Elkins died after fleeing and being pursued by police. It was not clear whether he was killed by officers firing or from a gunshot wound, according to police.
The investigation is still ongoing The deadliest mass shooting In the United States for more than two years.
During the service, other speakers included Shreveport Councilwoman Tabatha Taylor, who admitted that “there are not enough words to ease this pain,” while Councilman James Green implored audience members to collectively “take off our funeral face” because “this is a celebration” of children’s lives.
In fact, churchgoers would often stand and clap their hands in response to the singers and speakers. The children’s names were read or displayed several times throughout the service, with Shreveport Mayor Tom Arsenault expressing the city’s condolences.
“Let us honor them by moving forward with the gentleness, joy and love they shared so freely,” Arsenault said.
Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry has ordered American and state flags to be flown at half-staff over the next week at the Capitol and state government buildings. A letter read by Landry said the victims “were the light of their homes and the heart of their classrooms. They were full of promise and found joy in the simplest things, like dancing, playing outside and sharing laughter with family and friends. Their future was bright and held great promise.”
“We must honor the memory of those who lost their lives by standing together against this senseless violence.”
Among those attending was former US Representative Dr. Gabby Giffordswhose political career ended in 2011 Assassination attempt.
“She just wanted to come out and tell the family that this pain is not just limited to Louisiana,” said U.S. Rep. Cleo Fields, D-Louisiana. “This pain is across the country.”
Buses were then provided to transport mourners to the burial place next to the grave. At the conclusion of the church service, Kimball prayed for healing to begin.
“Help us as we move on from here,” he said. “Because we know, God, that grief is temporary. And if we put our hands in your favor, you will lead us through this.”