Three children and a teacher were killed in a shooting at Silver Rail Elementary School in Bend, Oregon, on Thursday, October 15, after a 16-year-old opened fire on the campus. The suspect was also found dead at the scene.
Victims and injuries
Bend Police Chief Mike Krantz confirmed the deaths: "The deceased at the scene included three children aged 5, 8 and 11 and one teacher." A seven-year-old pupil and a 54-year-old teacher were hospitalised with "critical injuries".
Whether the assailant was enrolled at the school or had connections to any pupils remains unclear at this stage, reports the Daily Star.
School and response
Silver Rail Elementary School serves kindergarten through fifth grade, with students ranging from approximately five to 11 years old. The school accommodates around 450 pupils and 40 staff members, 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, it was established that the gunman had been shot dead. Chief Krantz revealed 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 was named as a 16-year-old Bend local. Officers evacuated classrooms as a significant law enforcement presence descended on the school.
Community and official reactions
Ms Miller said earlier in the day, visibly struggling to compose herself: "This is the kind of thing we never want to see happen in Bend. It's devastating."
Governor Tina Kotek issued a statement: "I am closely monitoring the situation at Silver Rail Elementary in Bend. I am grateful to the first responders who are on the scene. I will share as I learn more."
Senator Jeff Merkley wrote on X: "My team and I are closely monitoring reports of an active shooter situation at Silver Rail Elementary School in Bend. As details continue to come out, my heart is with the Bend community and all of the students and families affected. No one should have to fear violence at school."
Hours later, reports emerged of a separate incident in downtown Portland, described by authorities as a major incident involving a shooting with an officer. Portland Fire and Rescue declared on X that it was a "multi-victim traumatic scene." Police have yet to disclose details surrounding the circumstances of that attack or the full extent of casualties.
