Oregon school shooter kills four before bystander stops him

Four people, including three young children and a teacher, were killed on Thursday during an attack at an elementary school in central Oregon, according to local law enforcement. The armed 16-year-old suspect, identified only as a local resident, forced entry into Silver Rail Elementary School by shooting through locked doors before a bystander pursued and fatally shot him.

The violence began shortly before 1 p.m. Local time on Thursday, according to the Bend Police Department. Dispatchers received a 911 call from a person inside a vehicle who reported being fired upon multiple times by someone wielding a long gun. Dozens of additional emergency calls quickly followed as the shooter approached the campus. The school was immediately placed on lockdown.

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According to Bend Police Chief Mike Krantz, the teenage gunman forced his way into the school by "shooting at locked doors." Officers arrived at the scene within three minutes of the first 911 call.

Authorities confirmed that three children, aged five, eight, and 11, died at the scene alongside a teacher. Two other victims, a seven-year-old child and a 54-year-old teacher, sustained critical injuries and were transported to St. Charles Medical Center with critical injuries. Investigators have not yet established a motive for the shooting or determined whether the teenage suspect had any prior connection to the school.

Oregon Governor Tina Kotek expressed deep sorrow, praising the civilian who intervened. To the community member who heroically intervened to stop further loss of life, your actions carry a heavy emotional burden and I just want you to know that my thoughts are with you as well, Kotek said.

Federal agencies, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation, deployed personnel to assist local police. Bend-La Pine Schools Superintendent Steven Cook spoke at the news conference, thanking educators for protecting students during the horrifying ordeal.

The tragedy prompted widespread cancellations across the region. Bend-La Pine Schools said that all schools in the district would be canceling classes and athletic events on Friday due to the shooting. Meanwhile, evacuated students were transported to a nearby church where they could be reunited with their families.

This incident adds to a grim national tally of school gun violence. Last year there were 235 shooting incidents at K-12 schools in the U.S., according to data from the K-12 School Shooting Database.

As the community reels from the violence, hundreds gathered at a park in town Thursday night, sharing songs and prayers at a vigil for the victims. Leaders including Bend Mayor Melanie Kebler urged the community to support one another through the aftermath.

Federal and local agencies intend to maintain a heavy presence at Silver Rail Elementary School over the coming days as the investigation continues. Chief Krantz noted that officers will conduct a thorough inquiry to determine all circumstances surrounding the attack.