Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Man Kills Eight Relatives, Then Dies After Shooting

8/26/2026

35 7 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Alan Smith, 44, opened fire on a Sunday dinner, killing eight relatives in Billings, Montana.
He set the house ablaze after the shooting.
Police found Smith outside with a self-inflicted gunshot wound, later dying in hospital.
The victims spanned four generations, from a 92-year-old great-grandmother to a 7-year-old girl.
12-year-old Charlotte Ghekiere called 911 and attempted to rescue family members.

History

Historical Context

On April 20, 1999, two seniors at Columbine High School killed 13 students and a teacher, launching the “Columbine effect” that has inspired more than 70 copycat attacks by 2025. The recent Billings massacre by 44-year-old Alan Smith, who murdered eight relatives, echoes that pattern, prompting Montana State Police to emphasize early mental-health intervention and stricter gun-storage rules.

1 of 2

Story summary

Alan Smith, 44, opened fire on a Sunday dinner, killing eight relatives in Billings, Montana.
He set the house ablaze after the shooting.
Police found Smith outside with a self-inflicted gunshot wound, later dying in hospital.
The victims spanned four generations, from a 92-year-old great-grandmother to a 7-year-old girl.
12-year-old Charlotte Ghekiere called 911 and attempted to rescue family members.

1 / 2