Bend, Oregon – A school day turned into a tragedy Thursday afternoon when a 16-year-old gunman opened fire at Silver Rail Elementary School in Bend, killing three young children and a teacher. Two others were injured, while the suspected shooter was killed after a community member intervened.
The attack left families facing an unimaginable loss and prompted an emotional response from Oregon Governor Tina Kotek, who had visited the same school about a year earlier. She recalled meeting educators and hearing their excitement about students making progress in their education.
According to Bend police, the shooting began shortly before 1 p.m. on October 15. Authorities received a report at approximately 12:59 p.m. that someone armed with a long gun was shooting at a vehicle outside the school.
The suspect then forced his way into the building and opened fire. Three children, ages 5, 8 and 11, and a teacher were killed. A 7-year-old child and a 54-year-old teacher were hospitalized.
Police said a community member who witnessed the suspect entering the school followed him inside and fatally shot him before officers arrived. The first responding officers reached the scene at approximately 1:02 p.m.
Following the shooting, Governor Kotek thanked school employees, parents, emergency personnel and the person who intervened.
“I want to start by thanking and praising the quick thinking and courage of the Silver Rail Elementary School staff and parents — and the first responders who rushed to the scene,” Kotek said.
She also recognized the emotional toll on the community member who stopped the attacker, acknowledging that such an intervention carries a heavy burden.
Kotek described her visit to Silver Rail Elementary roughly one year earlier, when staff and community members were contacting parents to celebrate improvements in student attendance.
“My heart is absolutely broken. Our hearts will stay broken in the days and weeks ahead. My daily prayers will be with this community, with the children, with the parents,” she said.
The governor confirmed that the Oregon Department of Emergency Management was coordinating with multiple state agencies to provide assistance.
While questions remain about the circumstances surrounding the shooting and preventing similar attacks, Kotek emphasized the immediate need for compassion and community support.
“But for now, let us hold each other close in our grief, and put as much love into the world as possible,” she said.
Bend-La Pine Schools announced that all district schools would remain closed Friday, October 16, as the community mourned.
