A 16-year-old gunman killed three children and a teacher at Silver Rail Elementary School in Bend, Oregon, before being shot by a community member. Two others were critically injured.
A 16-year-old gunman killed three children and a teacher at Silver Rail Elementary School in Bend, Oregon, on Thursday, authorities said. The suspect was fatally shot by a community member who pursued him into the building. Two additional victims, a 7-year-old child and a 54-year-old teacher, were hospitalized with critical injuries.
The incident began shortly before 1 p.m. local time when police received a 911 call from a driver outside the school who reported being shot at by a person carrying a long gun. According to Bend Police Chief Mike Krantz, the shooter then forced his way into the school by "shooting at locked doors."
Officers arrived within minutes of the first call. By the time they entered, the suspect had already been killed. "An officer reported that the suspect had been shot by a community member who had seen the suspect enter the school and pursued him into the school and engaged him," Krantz told reporters. Police spokesperson Sheila Miller confirmed that officers found the suspect dead inside the school shortly after arriving.
The victims killed were identified as three children, ages 5, 8 and 11, and one teacher. The injured 7-year-old child and 54-year-old teacher were transported to St. Charles Medical Center in critical condition. Police have not released the names of the victims or the suspect, who is identified only as a Bend resident.
Law enforcement officials have not determined a motive or whether the suspect had any connection to the school. While police did not specify the weapon used, a law enforcement official briefed on the investigation told The Associated Press that the attacker used a pump-action shotgun purchased by his mother. This detail has not been confirmed by Bend Police.
The FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives are assisting local authorities. FBI Director Kash Patel stated on social media, "We will make every resource they need available."
Students and staff were evacuated from the school and transported by bus to a nearby church, Journey Church, where they were reunited with their families. Bend-La Pine Schools Superintendent Steven Cook expressed gratitude to staff who "helped our students and protected our kids today," calling the event an "unthinkable tragedy."
Oregon Governor Tina Kotek praised the community member who stopped the shooter, stating that the individual "heroically intervened to stop further loss of life." Kotek acknowledged the emotional toll on the bystander, saying, "Your actions carry a heavy emotional burden, and I just want you to know that my thoughts are with you as well."
Bend Mayor Melanie Kebler said the community would gather to mourn and "begin the difficult process of healing." Former Bend Mayor Jeff Eager described the shooting as "unimaginable," noting that many residents move to Bend for its safety.
Political leaders offered condolences and called for action on gun violence. Sen. Ron Wyden of Oregon said, "Once again we must ask how many schools must be shot up before Republicans agree to act to curb gun violence." Sen. Jeff Merkley of Oregon stated, "No one should have to fear violence at school."
This shooting marks another instance of gun violence in U.S. schools, a recurring issue that continues to impact communities nationwide. The Gun Violence Archive reports that there have been more than 365 mass shootings in the U.S. so far this year. The incident highlights the ongoing debate over gun control and school safety, with local and state officials responding to the immediate trauma while national figures call for legislative changes.
Sources
This article was drafted with AI assistance and checked against the sources above. Company claims are reported as claims. Cover image is AI-generated.
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