Three children, aged 5, 8 and 11, and a teacher have been killed in a shooting at Silver Rail Elementary School in Bend, Oregon, on Thursday. Two other victims, including a 7-year-old child and a 54-year-old teacher, remain in critical condition.
The suspected shooter, a 16-year-old Bend resident, was also killed after a community member reportedly pursued and shot him inside the school, Police Chief Mike Krantz said.
Krantz said the first 911 call came in at 12:59 p.m. from a motorist who reported being shot at multiple times by someone carrying a long gun.
“Over the next several minutes,” dispatchers received more calls reporting that the suspect had entered the school.
Police ordered a lockdown at 1:01 p.m., and the first officers arrived a minute later. Moments afterwards, officers reported that the suspect was down.
Officers entered the building, confirmed his death, searched classrooms and provided emergency aid to victims. Two critically injured victims were taken to St. Charles Medical Center.
Students were evacuated by bus to Journey Church, where their families could reunite with them.
Bend-La Pine Schools Superintendent Steven Cook said the district was “stunned and heartbroken” by the shooting, adding that its immediate priorities were “caring for students and staff and helping emergency responders.”
The district announced that all schools, activities and athletic events would be cancelled on Friday.
The FBI, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and Oregon State Police assisted local authorities as investigations continued.
