Multiple dead, including children, in Billings, Montana shooting and house fire

Multiple adults and children were killed in a shooting and fire at a Billings, Montana home on Sunday evening, August 24, 2026, in what police characterized as a family disturbance. The suspect died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. The victims and the suspect have been identified, but authorities have declined to release their names, ages, or the total count of dead. Billings police and Yellowstone County sheriff's deputies were dispatched to the 300 block of White Star Circle at 6:01 p.m. Sunday after a 911 call reported an active shooter. Gunshots could be heard during that call. Three minutes later, the home was fully engulfed in flames. Video from the scene showed law enforcement officers taking cover behind patrol SUVs as a small tactical team behind a handheld shield moved toward the structure. Interim Yellowstone County Sheriff Kent O'Donnell said at a news conference Monday that the shooting started as a family disturbance and was not a random act of violence. The suspect knew the individuals he targeted. The Yellowstone County Sheriff's Office stated: "there is no further danger to the public." The rapid fire also hampered emergency response. Firefighters may have faced water access issues and fewer fire hydrants than ideal. Billings Police Sergeant Jeff Stovall said: "Because of the fire and obviously water that goes to suppress that fire, it's going to slow our investigation of the crime scene recovery of evidence." The origin of the blaze is under investigation. A possible motive was not available Monday. Stovall said: "However, to protect the integrity of the ongoing investigation, there are details we simply cannot release at this time."