BEND, Ore.-Three students are dead after a shooting at an elementary school in Bend on the afternoon of October 15.
Another student and a teacher were transported to the hospital after the shooting, and their condition is unknown at this time.
Bend police responded to reports of an active shooter at Silver Rail Elementary just before 1 p.m.
According to Bend PD, the first report indicated that a male suspect had fired into a car, however, multiple 911 calls soon reported that the suspect entered the school and began shooting.
Bend Police arrived at the scene at 1:02 p.m. and quickly reported that the suspect had been shot and killed.
Silver Rail Elementary was evacuated after the shooting and students were transported by Bend-La Pine Schools buses to Journey Church, 61303 S Highway 97, where they were picked up by parents and guardians.
Bend Police Chief Mike Krantz confirmed that three students, ages 5, 8, and 11 were killed in the shooting at a press conference attended by law enforcement, Bend-La Pine School District Personnel, and Oregon Governor Tina Kotek on the afternoon of October 15.
The suspected shooter, a 16-year-old male Bend resident, was shot and killed by an individual who saw him enter the school and followed them inside.
Governor Kotek praised the actions of the individual who followed the shooter into the school at the press conference.
“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,” said Gov. Kotek.
The investigation into the shooting, including a possible motive, is ongoing and will take time, according to Chief Krantz.
Schools are closed and athletic events in the Bend-La Pine district were cancelled for October 16 and flags across Oregon are flying at half-staff in honor of the victims.
More information and resources for those affected by the shooting are available through the Silver Rail Community Information Hub.
Bend PD plans to hold another press conference with updates on the investigation at 2 p.m. on October 16. The press conference will be livestreamed.
“We are stunned and heartbroken by this senseless tragedy,” said Bend-La Pine Schools Superintendent Steven Cook, in a statement released on Bend PD social media. “We extend our deepest sympathy to the families and to everyone affected by this violence. No words can adequately express the grief our community is experiencing. Our immediate priorities are caring for our students and staff and assisting law enforcement and emergency responders.”
