Teacher and civilian intervene as teen shooter kills three students and staff at Bend elementary

A 16-year-old entered Silver Rail Elementary School in Bend, Oregon, on Thursday afternoon and opened fire with a 12-gauge pump-action shotgun, killing three young students and a 25-year-old learning specialist. A teacher attempted to wrestle the gun away, throwing her cellphone at the shooter before tackling him. A 36-year-old man who had been in the school’s parking lot retrieved a legally secured .40-caliber pistol from his vehicle and entered the building, where he fired multiple shots that killed the teen shooter.

Police reported that the shooter had previously attended the school as a special-needs student. He was identified as Griffin J. John II, and investigators are still determining how he obtained the weapon and ammunition. The teen carried an additional 44 rounds in a backpack.

The victims included three children aged 5, 8 and 11, and learning specialist Megan Lambert, who had recently begun full-time work at the school. Two other individuals—a 7-year-old student and a 54-year-old educational assistant—sustained serious injuries and were hospitalized.

Bend Police Chief Mike Krantz said more than 150 law-enforcement personnel and first responders arrived within minutes of the first 911 call. He acknowledged that many community members have “hard questions” and expressed that some questions may never be answered.

"The quick thinking to observe and then follow someone into the school is incredible — and undoubtedly saved people," Krantz said of the civilian who intervened.

"To the teacher, who is willing to stand and fight for her children, I think we all recognize that is true heroism," he added.

The school will remain closed at least until Tuesday while investigators process the scene. Superintendent Steve Cook said the district will review security measures, noting that classroom doors can be locked from the inside and that lockdown drills are conducted twice a year.

Community vigils were held on Thursday and Friday, drawing thousands of residents. Mental-health professionals were made available at local gathering sites to help those coping with the tragedy.