A horrific family massacre occurred on the evening of Aug. 23 in Billings, Montana, when a 44-year-old man shot and killed eight relatives — including four children — during a family gathering, before setting the house on fire and turning the gun on himself. This marks the 22nd mass shooting in the United States this year.
According to the Associated Press, the gunman was identified as 44-year-old Alan Smith. He had returned to his parents' home that evening for a weekly family dinner. Weeks earlier, his parents had asked him to move out. During the meal, Smith opened fire without warning. The victims spanned four generations, including his 90-year-old grandmother, his parents, his sister, and four children aged between 7 and 15.
Billings police said they received a call at around 6 pm on Aug. 23 and arrived to find the house engulfed in flames after hearing gunshots outside. Firefighters battled the blaze until 1 am, but the house was reduced to its foundation. Investigative work has been hampered by structural safety concerns, and evidence collection is expected to take several days.
Among the four children killed, 12-year-old Charlotte Ghekiere had called 911 before she died in an attempt to save her family — she has been called a hero by relatives. The gunman had no prior criminal record, but family members described him as a "hermit" who rarely left his room, and said he had shown multiple "red flags" before the attack.
This is the 22nd mass killing in the US this year, with 15 of them stemming from family disputes. Montana's governor has issued a statement expressing condolences to the victims. The local community has been left in shock, with neighbours describing the family as "very loving and close-knit."
(Video source: X)
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