Three children and a teacher killed in Bend, Oregon, elementary school shooting
A 16-year-old forced his way into Silver Rail Elementary School in Bend on Thursday afternoon, killing three children and a teacher before a bystander shot him dead. A seven-year-old and another teacher were hospitalized in critical condition.
What is confirmed: Bend Police Chief Mike Krantz said a local 16-year-old forced his way into Silver Rail Elementary by shooting at locked doors and opened fire. Three children — ages 5, 8 and 11 — and one teacher were killed. A 7-year-old child and a 54-year-old teacher were taken to a hospital in critical condition, ABC News and the BBC reported. Police have not publicly identified the suspect beyond saying he was a Bend resident, and they have not said whether he attended the school or knew anyone there.
How it unfolded: Police were alerted at 12:59 p.m. local time after a driver reported being shot at with a long gun outside the school, ABC News reported. Minutes later, Deschutes County dispatch received 911 calls that a shooter had entered the building. Krantz said the school was directed into lockdown at 1:01 p.m. Officers arrived within about three minutes; by then a community member who saw the teen enter had pursued him inside and shot him dead, Krantz told reporters, according to ABC News and the BBC.
What officials said: Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek praised the bystander who “heroically intervened” to stop further loss of life. Bend-La Pine Schools Superintendent Steven Cook said the district was “stunned and heartbroken by this senseless tragedy.” About 450 children attend Silver Rail, with more than 40 adult staff, police said. Classes, activities and athletic events across Bend-La Pine Schools were canceled for Friday.
Investigation: Police said they would likely share more about the bystander on Friday and did not release further details on the suspect or victims Thursday night. The FBI said it was assisting on the scene, ABC News reported, and agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives were also en route, according to a source cited by ABC News.
Why it matters now: The shooting is among the deadliest at a U.S. elementary school this year and closed an entire Oregon district for a day of mourning. Local and federal investigators are still assembling a timeline of how the teen obtained a long gun and forced entry past locked doors.