A shooting occurred on the afternoon of the 15th at Silver Rail Elementary School in Bend, Oregon. Police stated that evening that a 16-year-old local resident had forced his way into the school and opened fire, resulting in the deaths of three children—aged 5, 8, and 11—as well as one teacher.
According to CNN, Bend Police Chief Mike Krantz reported that the teenager used a long gun to shoot at a locked door, gaining entry to the school; it remains unclear how far he managed to penetrate the building. A member of the community, who witnessed the shooter entering the school around 1:00 p.m., followed him inside, engaged him, and fatally shot him before police arrived on the scene.
Oregon Governor Tina Kotek praised the individual who neutralized the shooter as a hero, stating that he “stepped in and prevented further loss of life.” While officials did not specify the individual’s connection to the school, a recording of emergency medical services (EMS) radio dispatch mentioned: “It appears the shooter has been neutralized—possibly shot by a father who was inside the school.”
Fox News reported, citing federal law enforcement sources, that the shooter used a shotgun, and that the person who killed him held a concealed carry permit. One source noted that this individual “definitely prevented more deaths.”
Officials stated that another 7-year-old child and a teacher were injured and transported to a hospital. Chief Krantz indicated that the investigation is ongoing; it is not yet known whether the shooter had any affiliation with the school, what specific type of long gun was used, or how many rounds were fired. Police have not released the shooter’s identity or provided information regarding a potential motive.
Chief Krantz stated that a heavy police presence will remain at the school for the coming days. “Nothing I can say will make this situation any better,” he said. “But please know that we are working hard to ensure a thorough investigation.”