Three children and a teacher were killed in a shooting at Silver Rail Elementary School in Bend, Oregon, on Thursday, October 15. The suspected shooter, a 16-year-old boy, was also killed after a community member confronted him inside the school, according to police. A seven-year-old child and a 54-year-old teacher were critically injured and taken to hospital.
Police said the incident began shortly before 1pm local time, when emergency services received a report of a person firing a long gun at a vehicle outside the school. The suspect subsequently entered the school and opened fire. Investigators believe he forced his way inside by shooting at locked doors. A community member who saw the teenager entering the building followed him inside and shot him before officers arrived. Police reached the scene within minutes and began clearing classrooms.
Authorities evacuated students and staff from the school, moving children by bus to a nearby reunification centre where families could collect them. Officers searched the building room by room as the investigation continued. The school district cancelled classes for Friday, while local officials arranged support services for affected children, families and staff.
Police have not publicly identified the suspect or established a motive for the attack. Investigators are also examining whether he had any previous connection to the school. The shooting has devastated the Bend community and renewed concerns about school safety and gun violence in the United States.
