2026 Billings shooting
Mass shooting in Montana, US
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
On August 23, 2026, a mass shooting occurred at a residence near Billings, Montana, United States.[1] The gunman, identified as 44-year-old Alan Michael Smith, opened fire on his family as they gathered for Sunday dinner at their home. The shooting and subsequent arson which destroyed the entire house killed nine people including the perpetrator. It is the deadliest mass shooting in Montana’s history.[2]
315 White Star Circle
near Billings, Montana, US
| 2026 Billings shooting | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Location | 45.763652°N 108.651376°W 315 White Star Circle near Billings, Montana, US |
| Date | August 23, 2026 6:01 p.m. – 6:12 p.m. (MDT; UTC−06:00) |
| Target | Family members |
Attack type | |
| Deaths | 9 (including the perpetrator) |
| Perpetrator | Alan Michael Smith |
| Motive | Domestic dispute |
According to a database maintained by Associated Press and USA Today, the shooting was the 22nd mass killing in 2026 in the United States. It is the deadliest mass shooting in the United States since the Shreveport shooting earlier in April 2026.[3]
Shooting
At 6:01 p.m. on August 23, 2026, the Billings Police Department responded to a 911 call made by 12-year-old Charlotte Ghekiere about a family disturbance.[4][5] At 6:12 p.m., when police arrived at 315 White Star Circle, Alan was in the front yard, the entire house was on fire and gunshots were heard after Alan ran back inside.[4][6] Billings Police Department officers saw Alan run to the backyard and shoot himself.[7] They took him into custody. He was taken to the hospital with a self-inflicted gunshot wound, where he later died.[8]
Firefighters fought against the arson attacks until 1 a.m. the next day.[7]
Victims
Eight members of the family were killed, representing four generations, with ages ranging from seven years old to 92 years old. The deceased were identified amid the ruins. The victims were Dana Smith, aged 73, and Barbara Smith, 72, who owned the home and were the parents of Alan.[7] Their daughter, Megan Ireland-Ghekiere, 39, was killed along with her four children: Owen Ireland, 13; Chloe Ireland, 7; Landon Ghekiere, 15; and Charlotte Ghekiere, 12. Evelyn Smith, 92, the grandmother of Megan and Alan, did not live at the home but was visiting for a Sunday dinner, and was also killed.[9][10][11]
Charlotte Ghekiere, who called 911 from inside the residence during the shooting, was posthumously honored by the Youth Peace & Justice Foundation for her herosim.[12][13]
Perpetrator
The perpetrator was identified as 44-year-old Alan Michael Smith.[14] Smith attended Eastern Washington University but was unable to find a job or hold one. Smith moved into his parents' home and lived with them for years before being asked to move out a couple of weeks prior to the shootings.[15]
Brad Ireland, the ex-husband of Megan, described Smith as a hermit.[7]
See also
- 2025 Anaconda shooting, a mass shooting in Montana which happened just over a year prior
- Karolkiewicz family murders, another familicide that happened earlier in the year
- Shreveport shooting, another familicide that happened earlier in the year
- Covina massacre, a similar attack during a dinner party
