Authorities have reported that at least four people were killed in a shooting at Silver Rail Elementary School in Bend, Oregon, on Thursday. Among the deceased are three children aged 5, 8, and 11, as confirmed by Bend Police Chief Mike Krantz. A teacher was also reportedly among the victims. The shooter was killed during the incident, although details regarding the suspect's identity have not been disclosed; early reports suggest the attacker was 16 years old.
Sheila Miller, the communications manager for the Bend Police Department, stated, "We’re in the process at this time of going room by room and evacuating each of the people who are in that school. This is the kind of thing we never want to see happen in Bend. It’s devastating." Authorities received a call about a shot fired into a car outside the school at 12:59 PM local time (19:59 GMT) and arrived on the scene within minutes. Additional emergency response calls were made during that time.
The number and condition of those injured were not immediately known, but one child and a teacher were transported to a local hospital for treatment, according to Chief Krantz during an afternoon news conference. Kash Patel, the director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), stated on social media that the agency was assisting local law enforcement in the investigation, saying, "We will make every resource they need available." Oregon Governor Tina Kotek is closely monitoring the situation. U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley, representing Oregon, expressed condolences, stating, "My heart is with the Bend community and all of the students and families affected. No one should have to fear violence at school."