Three children and a teacher killed in shooting at Oregon elementary school

A shooting at Silver Rail Elementary School in Bend, Oregon, left at least four people dead, including three children aged 5, 8 and 11, and a 54-year-old teacher, according to Bend Police Chief Mike Krantz. A seven-year-old child and another teacher were hospitalized with critical injuries.

Police identified the gunman as a 16-year-old local resident who was killed after a community member pursued him into the school and shot him, Krantz said. The suspect forced entry by firing at locked doors, and investigators are still determining whether he had ever attended the school.

Emergency calls began at 12:59 p.m. local time, and the school was placed under lockdown at 1:01 p.m. Officers arrived shortly thereafter, secured the building, and provided aid to the victims. The school was evacuated, and students and staff were taken to a nearby church to reunite with families.

Federal Bureau of Investigation Director Kash Patel said the agency was on the scene assisting local law enforcement and would provide all necessary resources. Oregon Governor Tina Kotek urged residents to support one another and expressed sympathy for the community member who intervened. U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley also offered condolences, noting that no one should have to fear violence at school.

The Gun Violence Archive recorded 369 mass shootings in the United States so far in 2026, while advocacy group Everytown for Gun Safety estimates roughly 100 incidents of gunfire on school campuses this year, resulting in 27 deaths.