BEND, OREGON – Three children and a teacher were killed Thursday when a 16-year-old gunman opened fire at Silver Rail Elementary School in Bend. A community member who saw the suspect enter the building followed him inside and shot him, police said. Two others, a 7-year-old child and a 54-year-old teacher, were critically wounded. Officers arrived within three minutes of the first 911 call.
Gunman Fired at Car Before Shooting His Way Into Silver Rail Elementary
The first call came at 12:59 p.m. from a driver who said someone with a long rifle had fired at his car outside the school, according to police. Within a minute, dispatchers received multiple 911 calls reporting a shooter inside.
Bend Police Chief Mike Krantz said the suspect forced his way in by shooting at locked doors. The school was placed on lockdown at 1:01 p.m., and officers arrived at 1:02 p.m. The school is located on Southeast Stone Creek Lane.
Community Member Pursued and Shot Suspect Before Police Arrived
Krantz said a community member saw the suspect enter the school, pursued him inside, and engaged him. When officers reached the building, they found the 16-year-old had already been shot and killed. Police described it as a fast-moving attack that unfolded within minutes.
The suspect, a Bend resident, used a long gun, but police have not released further details about the weapon or a possible motive. The identity of the community member who stopped him has not been released. Police said the investigation into the shooting remains ongoing.
Children Ages 5, 8, and 11 Among Victims as Two Remain Critical
The children killed were 5, 8, and 11 years old, and a teacher also died, Krantz said. Their names have not been released, and police said all families have been notified. The teacher’s age was not immediately released.
A 7-year-old child and a 54-year-old teacher were taken to St. Charles Bend with critical injuries. Their conditions were not immediately updated. Silver Rail serves roughly 400 to 450 students and about 40 faculty members.
Families Reunited at Journey Church as Bend Mourns
Officers evacuated each classroom and took students to Journey Church, about five minutes away, where anxious parents waited to be reunited with their children. Families of students were asked to go directly to the church. Bend-La Pine Schools closed all schools Friday and canceled activities.
Investigators are expected to remain at the school for several days, with the chief calling it a long investigation. A candlelight vigil was held Thursday night as the community mourned the victims. Oregon political leaders offered condolences and called for steps to keep children safe.
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