Oregon school shooting victims: What we know

An armed attack at Silver Rail Elementary School in Bend, Oregon, left multiple people dead on Thursday, according to local law enforcement. The incident unfolded shortly before 1 p.m. Local time, beginning with a 911 call at 12:59 p.m. From a driver who reported being shot at multiple times by a suspect carrying a long gun outside the school. Deschutes County dispatchers subsequently received a flurry of emergency calls indicating that the gunman had entered the elementary school.

Bend Police Chief Mike Krantz stated during a press conference that the suspect forced his way into the building by shooting at locked doors. Police department communications manager Sheila Miller noted that an alert went out to officers at 1 p.m., and police arrived at the scene at approximately 1:02 p.m. Upon entry, officers discovered that the 16-year-old male suspect — identified as a local Bend resident — was already dead. Krantz explained that a community member had seen the teenager enter the school, pursued him inside, and engaged him.

Media additions

4 dead, including 3 children, in shooting at Oregon elementary school: report

The tragedy resulted in five fatalities, including the teenage gunman. The victims killed at the scene included three children, aged 5, 8, and 11, along with one teacher. Two additional victims, a 7-year-old student and a 54-year-old teacher, were transported to St. Charles Medical Center with critical injuries. Law enforcement evacuated the school room by room, transporting surviving students and staff by bus to an off-site family reunification center established at a nearby church.

Community members and public officials expressed profound grief following the attack. Bend-La Pine Schools Superintendent Steven Cook spoke at a press conference, stating:

"Today, an unthinkable tragedy happened at Silver Rail Elementary School. We are heartbroken. We are horrified. This is the kind of thing you hear about in other places and pray that it never happens here... today it happened to our children, our teachers and our families."

Steven Cook, Bend-La Pine Schools Superintendent, via Daily Mail

Bend Mayor Melanie Kebler also addressed the community, emphasizing that a school ought to be a secure environment for children to learn. Oregon Governor Tina Kotek issued a statement mourning the losses and praising the swift response of emergency personnel, while drawing attention to the toll placed on the individual who intervened.

"To the community member who heroically intervened...your actions carry a heavy emotional burden and I want you to know my thoughts are with you as well,"

Tina Kotek, Oregon Governor, via Daily Mail

Federal law enforcement agencies deployed personnel to the central Oregon city, which is located approximately 150 to 175 miles southeast of Portland. FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed that the bureau's Portland office was on the scene to assist local authorities, while agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives also supported the investigation alongside the Oregon State Police.

In response to the shooting, Bend-La Pine Schools announced that all classes, activities, and athletic events across the district would be canceled for Friday. Local community groups also organized a vigil at Drake Park. Police indicated that further details regarding the armed bystander who confronted the shooter would be shared publicly on Friday, while the investigation into the suspect's background and potential motives remains ongoing.