A shooting at a primary school in Oregon, US, has left three children and a teacher dead. The suspect, a 16-year-old, allegedly entered Silver Rail Elementary School in Bend on Thursday, October 15, and opened fire before being shot dead by a member of the community.
Victims and Injuries
Police confirmed the deaths of three children, aged five, eight and 11, as well as a teacher and the suspect. Two other victims, a seven-year-old and a 54-year-old teacher, were taken to hospital with critical injuries. It is not yet known whether the attacker attended the school or knew any of the students.
Bend Police Chief Mike Krantz said: "The deceased at the scene included three children aged 5, 8 and 11 and one teacher."
Community Member Acts
Police responded to 911 calls reporting a gunman inside the school. On arrival, officers found the suspect had been shot and killed. Chief Krantz said an officer reported that "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 identified as a 16-year-old Bend resident. Classrooms were evacuated and a large law enforcement presence remained at the school.
School and Official Response
Bend has a population of about 100,000. Silver Rail Elementary serves kindergarten through fifth grade, with approximately 450 students and 40 staff members, according to Sheila Miller, communications manager for the Bend Police Department.
Ms Miller said: "This is the kind of thing we never want to see happen in Bend. It's devastating."
Governor Tina Kotek said she was closely monitoring the situation, adding: "I am grateful to the first responders who are on the scene." Senator Jeff Merkley wrote on X that his heart was with the Bend community, saying: "No one should have to fear violence at school."
