CRETE, Neb. (AP) — A reclusive and confrontational white Nebraskan man shot and injured seven Guatemalan immigrant neighbors, with investigators not dismissing possible racist motives.

Around 4:30 p.m. on Friday, Billy Booth, 74, fired a shotgun from his house in Crete towards a group of about 15 people mostly gathered in the victims’ yard.

After the shootings, Booth took his own life. The victims, including four children aged 3 to 10 and all related, are expected to recover.

The incident has deeply unsettled Crete, a community of approximately 7,000 residents located 70 miles southwest of Omaha. The population is notably diverse, with about 50% Hispanic residents and nearly 25% foreign-born.

Booth generally kept to himself but had a history of conflicts with neighbors, according to the Omaha World-Herald.

Earlier, Crete Police Chief Gary Young disclosed that the family had previously reported Booth for making offensive gestures and telling them to "go back to where they came from" and "speak English." However, the family chose not to press charges.

Investigators are actively seeking the motive behind the shootings, considering the possibility of racial motivations.

"The remarks to 'go home' and 'speak English' suggest that possibility," Chief Young remarked.

Neighbours also noted Booth's contentious relationships extended beyond immigrant neighbours to include other residents on his street.

"He harboured animosity towards everyone," commented Dave Hansen, who resides next door to Booth.