BEND, Ore. – A tragic incident occurred on Thursday at Silver Rail Elementary School in Bend, Oregon, where a 16-year-old armed with a shotgun forced his way through locked doors. The attack resulted in the deaths of three young children and a teacher, while another child and the teacher were critically injured.
The suspect was found dead inside the school just minutes after authorities received the first 911 call. This call, made shortly before 1 p.m., reported gunfire from someone with a long gun outside the school, leading to a rapid response from police.
Authorities have confirmed that the victims included children aged 5, 8, and 11. The injured 7-year-old and 54-year-old teacher were immediately taken to the hospital due to their critical conditions.
As police rushed to the scene, reports of gunfire were confirmed from inside the school. The shooter was apprehended shortly after their arrival, but not before the tragic loss of life occurred.
Investigators are looking into whether the shooter had any previous connection to the school or its students. Currently, the details of his background remain unclear.
In the aftermath, students were evacuated and taken to a nearby church, which served as a reunification center for families. Parents were seen embracing their children, some bringing along comforting items from home.
Silver Rail Elementary has about 459 students enrolled and serves grades K-5. Located approximately 125 miles southeast of Portland, this area has seen significant population growth and is known for its outdoor activities, particularly near Mount Bachelor.
In light of the shooting, all 32 schools in the Bend-La Pine School District canceled classes, sports, and extracurricular activities the following day.
This incident marks the 28th mass killing in the U.S. this year, according to a database maintained by The Associated Press and USA Today in collaboration with Northeastern University. Reports indicate that the weapon used, a pump-action shotgun, was purchased by the shooter’s mother.
Oregon Governor Tina Kotek expressed her condolences and gratitude towards a civilian who intervened during the attack. “Your actions carry a heavy emotional burden, and I just want you to know that my thoughts are with you as well,” she stated during a press conference.
This heartbreaking event has left the community in mourning, emphasizing the ongoing discussions around school safety and gun control in the United States.
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Associated Press journalist Hannah Schoenbaum contributed reporting.
