Several people, including children, were killed after an armed individual opened fire inside a home in Billings, Montana, before setting the property on fire and taking their own life.
The incident occurred near the West End area and was initially described by authorities as a domestic-related incident.
According to police, officers responded after receiving a report of gunshots. They arrived roughly 10 minutes later and heard additional shots coming from the rear of the residence. Shortly afterward, the house caught fire.
Yellowstone County’s interim sheriff, Kent O’Donnell, confirmed that multiple people, including several minors, were killed inside the home. Authorities have not yet released the identities or official number of victims.
A GoFundMe page has claimed that at least eight people died, including two children, although that figure has not been officially confirmed by authorities.
Firefighters faced difficult conditions while responding to the blaze, including limited access to water and an insufficient number of nearby hydrants. Billings Fire Chief Matt Hoppel said the situation deteriorated rapidly, leaving residents unable to escape.
Investigators are continuing to determine exactly what happened. The motive behind the shooting and the circumstances that led to the fire remain under investigation.
