4 Killed, Including 3 Children, in Oregon Elementary School Shooting
Three children and a teacher were killed Thursday when a teenage gunman opened fire at an elementary school in Bend, Oregon. The shooter, a 16-year-old, was shot and killed by a community member who followed him into the building, police said.
The shooting happened at Silver Rail Elementary School, about 100 miles southeast of Portland. The children who were killed were 5, 8 and 11 years old, Bend Police Chief Mike Krantz said, according to Al Jazeera. The victims' families have been notified, but their names have not been released.
A 7-year-old child and a 54-year-old teacher were taken to St. Charles Medical Center in Bend in critical condition.
How the Shooting Unfolded
Police began receiving calls at 12:59 p.m. The first came from a driver who said someone with a "long gun" had fired at him several times. Dozens more calls followed within minutes.
The school went into lockdown at 1:01 p.m., and officers arrived about a minute later. Krantz said the shooter "had forced their way into the school by shooting at locked doors."
As officers arrived, they learned that a community member had seen the suspect enter the school, followed him inside and shot him. Officers then went in, confirmed the suspect was dead, cleared the building and helped the wounded.
Police evacuated the school room by room. Students and staff were bused to Journey Church nearby, where families waited to be reunited with their children.
What We Know About the Shooter
Police said the shooter was a 16-year-old Bend resident but have not released his name or a possible motive. Investigators are still working to determine whether he had any connection to the school.
Officials have not confirmed what weapon was used or how many rounds were fired. Multiple law enforcement sources told CBS News it was a shotgun, and the Associated Press reported that it was a pump-action shotgun purchased by his mother.
Irvin Ornelas, whose 10-year-old brother attends the school, said he saw the shooter throw his gun over a fence and jump it. His brother is safe.
The FBI, the ATF and Oregon State Police are assisting Bend police. "We will make every resource they need available," FBI Director Kash Patel said.
A Community in Mourning
"Today an unthinkable tragedy happened at Silver Rail Elementary School," said Bend-La Pine Schools Superintendent Steven Cook. "We are heartbroken. We are horrified," he said, according to ABC News.
Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek said, "All Oregonians mourn this loss today. This is a horrible day." Kotek said her thoughts were also with the bystander, and she thanked the community member who "heroically intervened to stop further loss of life." That person has not been publicly identified, and police said they would likely share more information on Friday.
"This is the kind of thing we never want to see happen in Bend. It's devastating," said Sheila Miller, communications manager for the Bend Police Department. Sen. Jeff Merkley wrote on X, "No one should have to fear violence at school."
Hundreds of people gathered at a park in Bend on Thursday night for a vigil to honor the victims. All Bend-La Pine schools canceled classes and athletic events on Friday.
A Grim National Toll
The Gun Violence Archive has counted 369 mass shootings in the U.S. so far this year, defined as incidents in which four or more people are shot, not counting the shooter. Everytown for Gun Safety has recorded at least 100 incidents of gunfire on school grounds in 2026, resulting in 34 deaths.
Police said the investigation is ongoing and more information will be released in the coming days.
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