Four Dead After Gunman Opens Fire at Elementary School in Bend, Oregon

A 16-year-old gunman killed three children and a teacher at Silver Rail elementary school in Bend, Oregon, on Thursday afternoon before an armed bystander shot and killed him, local officials said.

The victims who died were children aged five, eight, and 11, along with one teacher. Police reported that two other victims—a seven-year-old child and a 54-year-old adult—were transported to the hospital with critical injuries. Authorities have not publicly identified the shooter, who lived in Bend, and are investigating whether he had any past connection to the facility.

Emergency dispatchers began receiving multiple calls reporting an active shooter at 1:02 p.m., roughly an hour before classes were scheduled to conclude. One caller reported that a suspect armed with a long firearm fired at their vehicle. Investigators stated that the attacker gained access to the elementary school building by shooting through locked doors, continuing the assault inside.

A law enforcement source speaking to The Associated Press indicated that the shooter deployed a pump-action shotgun. Before police officers arrived at the scene, a bystander inside the building intervened, shooting and killing the suspect.

Oregon Governor Tina Kotek praised the bystander's actions as heroic while acknowledging the emotional impact of the intervention. The Federal Bureau of Investigation is assisting municipal authorities with the investigation, according to FBI Director Kash Patel.

Silver Rail serves roughly 450 students from kindergarten through fifth grade and employs about 40 staff members. Following the attack, students were transported by bus to a nearby church to reunite with their families. Officials announced that all 32 schools across the Bend-La Pine district would cancel classes, sports, and extracurricular activities on Friday.

Source: The Guardian World.