BEND, Ore. (KATU) — Three children and one teacher are dead after a teen gunman reportedly opened fire inside Silver Rail Elementary School in Bend, Ore. on Thursday.
The shooting happened just before 1 p.m. when Deschutes County dispatchers received a call from someone in a vehicle who had been shot at several times by a person with a long gun.
In the following minutes, dozens more 911 calls came in reporting a shooter had entered Silver Rail Elementary on SE Stone Creek Lane.
Bend Police directed the school to go into lockdown at 1:01 p.m., with officers arriving at 1:02 p.m.
Soon after, police learned that a community member followed the suspect into the school and shot him. Officers entered the building and found the suspect dead.
On Friday, we learned more about the man who stopped the shooter:
Police said they found four other victims dead inside the school. The victims were three children, ages 5, 8 and 11 and one teacher. A 7-year-old child and a 54-year-old teacher were taken to a local hospital in critical condition. All victim families have been notified, police said.
Police identified the suspect as a 16-year-old Bend resident.
Watch the press conference below:
Police did not release details about the weapon used or whether the shooter had a prior connection to the school, saying the investigation is just beginning. They said the shooter forced their way in by shooting at locked doors but did not specify how far the suspect made it inside.
Law enforcement from multiple agencies worked together to evacuate the school and transport all students and staff to Journey Church for reunification.
Officials said they plan to hold another press conference with additional information Friday afternoon.
"This is a terrible tragedy and we are working hard to investigate this incident and get as much information as possible out to the public. This is something we never want to happen anywhere, but especially and particularly in our beautiful community here in Bend," said Bend Police Chief Mike Krantz.
READ MORE | Oregon political leaders react to deadly shooting at Bend elementary school
Bend-La Pine Schools Superintendent Steven Cook addressed families and staff after the shooting.
"Today, an unthinkable tragedy happened at Silver Rail Elementary School. You did what no one should ever be asked to do. I am so grateful beyond words for your efforts," Cook said.
All school activities are canceled Friday and crisis counselors will be offered at the Central Library for students, families, staff and anyone in the community who needs help beginning at 9 a.m., officials said.
"Our hearts are broken as we mourn this tragedy and the profound impact it has had on so many people, especially the children, families, educators and school staff whose lives have been forever changed," said Bend Mayor Melanie Kebler.
Kebler said the city will support families in the days ahead and encouraged people to find comfort in one another.
"We grieve with you and we will support one another through the difficult days ahead," Kebler said.
People leave a family meeting area following a shooting at Silver Rail Elementary School, Thursday, Oct. 15, 2026, in Bend, Ore. (AP Photo/Joe Kline)
Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek also spoke at the media conference, praising the actions of Silver Rail staff, parents, first responders and the community member who stopped the suspect.
"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," Kotek said.
She later order flags to be flown at half-staff at all state public institutions starting Friday, from sunrise to sunset.
Silver Rail Elementary received “classroom door hardware upgrades” in 2022. According to the district, new classroom locks were installed as part of a districtwide safety project.
The new locks were designed to be secured from inside the classroom with a switch, and remain locked when the door closes, according to a description of the upgrades.
Hundreds of people attended a prayer vigil at Drake Park at about 7 p.m. to honor the victims.
This is the first school shooting in Oregon in more than 10 years. It is also the second deadliest school shooting in state history.
Back in 2015, a gunman opened fire inside Umpqua Community College in Roseburg. Nine people were killed. The suspect died in a shootout with police. The college holds a day of remembrance every year.
RESOURCES
Resources are available for families and students dealing with school shootings and similar mass-casualty events.
- National Center for School Crisis and Bereavement: Guidance for talking with children about school and community shootings in the news.
- National Association of School Psychologists: Resources for parents and educators on talking with children about violence.
- KidsPeace: 15 Ways to Help Your Child Through Crisis.
- National Child Traumatic Stress Network: Resources for helping children and families cope with traumatic events.
Mental Health & Crisis Support Resources
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 for free, confidential support 24/7. Spanish-language support is available.
- YouthLine: Call 877-968-8491 or text teen2teen to 839863.