Teenage gunman killed by bystander after shooting at Oregon elementary school leaves four dead
A 16-year-old suspect opened fire at Silver Rail Elementary School in Bend, Oregon, killing three children and a teacher before being shot by a civilian who pursued him into the building.
Police responded to reports of gunfire at Silver Rail Elementary School in Bend, Oregon, around 13:00 on Thursday. The shooter, identified as a 16-year-old local resident, forced entry by firing at locked doors and opened fire inside the school, killing three children aged five, eight and 11, and a 54-year-old teacher, Bend Police Chief Mike Krantz said. A seven-year-old child and another teacher were taken to hospital with critical injuries.
A bystander who saw the attack pursued the suspect into the school and shot him, police said. Officers arrived three minutes after the first call, secured the building, and confirmed the shooter was dead.
In the aftermath, all schools in Bend were closed for a day as officials urged the community to take time to heal. A candlelight vigil at Drake Park drew residents who placed flowers, toys and chalk tributes for the victims.
Chief Krantz expressed his condolences, saying there were “no words that can make this better” and asked the public to support one another. Oregon Governor Tina Kotek called the incident a “terrible tragedy” and urged people to “hold each other close in grief.” The Oregon Department of Emergency Management is coordinating with federal and local law-enforcement agencies.
Police have not released details about the weapon beyond describing it as a “long gun,” and investigations into the suspect’s motives and any possible connections to the school are ongoing.