Three children and a teacher were killed after a 16-year-old opened fire at Silver Rail Elementary School in Bend, Oregon, on Thursday, October 15. Two other people were taken to hospital with critical injuries.
Fatalities confirmed at Silver Rail Elementary
Bend Police Chief Mike Krantz confirmed the deaths. "The deceased at the scene included three children aged 5, 8 and 11 and one teacher," he said. The suspect was also found dead at the scene.
A seven-year-old child and a 54-year-old teacher were transported to hospital with "critical injuries". It remains unclear whether the attacker was enrolled at the school or had any connection to pupils there.
Community response and official statements
Bend has a population of approximately 100,000 residents. Silver Rail Elementary School caters for pupils from reception through to year five, with children typically aged between five and 11. The school accommodates roughly 450 pupils and 40 members of staff, according to Sheila Miller, communications manager for the Bend Police Department.
Officers responded to emergency calls reporting an armed individual who had entered the premises. Upon arrival, authorities established that the gunman had been shot and killed. Chief Krantz stated that an officer reported "the suspect had been shot by a community member who had seen the suspect enter the school and pursued him into the school and engaged him".
The shooter has been identified as a 16-year-old Bend resident, Krantz confirmed. Officers evacuated classrooms while a significant law enforcement presence descended upon the school.
"This is the kind of thing we never want to see happen in Bend. It's devastating," Ms Miller said earlier in the day, pausing to compose herself.
Separate incident in Portland
Governor Tina Kotek issued a statement confirming she was aware of the shooting. "I am closely monitoring the situation at Silver Rail Elementary in Bend," she said. "I am grateful to the first responders who are on the scene," Kotek added. "I will share as I learn more."
Senator Jeff Merkley took to X to confirm that he and his colleagues were also keeping a close eye on developments. "My team and I are closely monitoring reports of an active shooter situation at Silver Rail Elementary School in Bend," he wrote. "As details continue to come out, my heart is with the Bend community and all of the students and families affected," he added. "No one should have to fear violence at school."
Reports emerged just hours later that three people had been injured in a separate incident. Police described the situation as a major incident in the heart of Portland, which included a shooting that involved an officer. Portland Fire and Rescue described the scene on X as a "multi-victim traumatic scene." Authorities have yet to release any details regarding the circumstances leading up to the attack or the severity of the injuries sustained.
