Three children and one teacher died Thursday when a 16-year-old opened fire at Silver Rail Elementary School in Bend, Oregon. The shooter is also dead after a community member stopped him.
What happened at the school
Around 1 p.m., the teenager forced his way into the school by shooting at locked doors with a long gun. Police say he first fired at a car outside.
A bystander saw him enter, followed him inside and shot him. Officers arrived minutes later and found the shooter already dead.
Victims and injuries
The three children killed were ages 5, 8, and 11. One teacher also died at the scene. A 7-year-old child and a 54-year-old teacher were taken to the hospital in critical condition. Police have not released names.
Police response and investigation
Bend Police Chief Mike Krantz said the shooter was a local 16-year-old Bend resident. It is not yet clear if he had any connection to the school.
Investigators are still looking into the type of gun, how many shots were fired and the motive. All schools in the Bend-La Pine district closed Friday and activities were canceled.
Community reaction
Oregon Governor Tina Kotek thanked the community member who “heroically intervened to stop further loss of life.” She said no parent or community should face a day like this. School leaders called the event heartbreaking and senseless.
The investigation continues. Police have not named the victims, the shooter, or the bystander who ended the attack. Families and the community are mourning while seeking answers.
