Three children and a teacher have been killed in a shooting at Silver Rail Elementary School in Bend, Oregon, in the United States, after a 16-year-old suspected gunman forced his way into the building, authorities said.
The children killed were aged five, eight and 11. The teacher was also among the victims. The suspected gunman, whose identity has not been publicly released, was killed by a community member who confronted him inside the school, according to police.
A seven-year-old child and a 54-year-old teacher were taken to hospital with critical injuries.
Gunman Forced Entry Into School
Bend Police Chief Mike Krantz said the incident began shortly before 1 p.m. local time on Thursday, October 15, when emergency dispatchers received a call from a person who reported being shot at while inside a vehicle near the school.
Further emergency calls followed, reporting that an armed suspect had entered the school.
Police said the teenager forced his way inside by firing at locked doors. The school was placed under lockdown as the emergency unfolded.
According to the police account, a community member saw the suspect entering the building, pursued him inside and shot him. Officers arrived within minutes and subsequently confirmed that the suspect was dead.
Authorities have not publicly identified the victims or the suspected gunman. Investigators are also working to establish whether the teenager had any connection to the school and what motivated the attack.
Governor Praises Community Member’s Intervention
Oregon Governor Tina Kotek expressed sorrow over the deaths and praised the community member who intervened.
School district official Steven Cook said the community was devastated by the tragedy.
“We are stunned and heartbroken by this senseless tragedy,” Cook said in a statement, adding that the district’s immediate priorities were caring for students and staff and assisting emergency responders.
The attack has left families, school employees and residents of Bend mourning the victims while authorities continue their investigation.
School Community Receives Support
Police and other emergency personnel worked to secure and search the school after the shooting. Families gathered at a designated reunification centre to reconnect with children as officials coordinated the response.
Local authorities also began arranging support for students, families and other members of the community affected by the incident.
The shooting has renewed concerns about gun violence in American schools and the challenge of protecting children and teachers from armed attacks.
Investigators have yet to establish the motive for the shooting. Police have urged the public to rely on official updates as the inquiry continues.
