BEND, Ore. — Three children and a teacher were killed Thursday in a shooting at Silver Rail Elementary School in Bend, Oregon, according to information provided by police during an evening press conference. The suspected shooter also died.
Bend Police Chief Mike Krantz said the children who died were 5, 8 and 11 years old.
Two additional victims—a 7-year-old child and a 54-year-old teacher—were transported to St. Charles Bend in critical condition.
Authorities said the victims’ families had been notified.
Police Detail Preliminary Timeline
During Thursday evening’s press conference, Krantz provided a preliminary timeline of the emergency response.
According to the chief, dispatchers received the first call at approximately 12:59 p.m. from a person in a vehicle who reported being shot at multiple times by someone armed with a long gun.
Additional emergency calls followed, reporting that a shooter had entered Silver Rail Elementary School.
At approximately 1:01 p.m., police directed the school to initiate a lockdown. The first responding officers arrived at approximately 1:02 p.m.
Krantz said a community member who saw the suspect enter the school followed the individual inside and shot the suspect. Police entered the building and confirmed that the suspect was dead.
Authorities identified the suspected shooter as a 16-year-old Bend resident. Police have not publicly released the teenager’s name.
Additional details about the suspect, any possible connection to the school and the circumstances leading up to the shooting remain under investigation.
Police Address How the Suspect Entered
During the question-and-answer portion of the press conference, reporters asked how the suspected shooter gained access to the school and how far the individual traveled inside the building.
Krantz said his preliminary understanding was that the suspect gained entry by shooting at locked school doors.
When asked how far the suspect made it into the school, the chief said he did not have that information at the time.
Police have not yet provided a complete account of the suspect’s movements inside the building or what led to the shooting.
Community Member Recognized for Intervention
Oregon Governor Tina Kotek acknowledged the community member who intervened, describing the person’s actions as heroic and crediting the intervention with helping prevent further loss of life.
Kotek also thanked school staff for their quick thinking and first responders who rushed to the scene.
Officials have not publicly identified the community member or provided a complete account of the confrontation.
Superintendent Addresses Families and Staff
Bend-La Pine Schools Superintendent Dr. Steven Cook expressed grief over the shooting and acknowledged the difficulty of finding words to describe the tragedy.
Cook addressed the families who lost loved ones, assuring them that the school district stands with them and will continue offering support.
He also thanked school employees who helped protect students during the emergency.
Schools and Activities Canceled Friday
Cook announced that all Bend-La Pine schools and activities would be canceled Friday, October 16.
He also said crisis counselors would be available at the Central Library for students, families, district employees and other community members affected by the shooting.
Mayor and Governor Express Support
Bend Mayor Melanie Kebler said, “A school should be a safe place where children can learn and feel secure. What happened today should never happen.”
Kebler encouraged community members to support one another as Bend confronts the loss.
Kotek similarly expressed grief for the victims and their families, emphasizing that no parent or community should have to experience a tragedy of this nature.
Investigation Remains Ongoing
Krantz said law-enforcement officers would maintain a significant presence at Silver Rail Elementary School over the next several days as the investigation continues.
Officials declined to answer several questions Thursday because the requested information was part of the continuing investigation.
Authorities said another press conference was planned for Friday afternoon, October 16, to provide additional updates.
Good News Now will update this developing report as verified information becomes available.
Please pray for the children, their families, the injured, school employees, first responders and everyone affected throughout the Bend community.
Video courtesy: Bend Police Department and the City of Bend, Oregon. Used with permission.