5 dead, including suspect, after Oregon elementary school shooting
The Hill · C · trust 62/100
Comments: by Ford McCracken - 10/15/26 9:02 PM ET Comments: Link copied by Ford McCracken - 10/15/26 9:02 PM ET Comments: Link copied NOW PLAYING Five people are dead, including the suspect, after an active shooting incident at Silver Rail Elementary School in Bend, Ore., police confirmed at a media conference Thursday night.
Bend Police Chief Mike Krantz said three children died at the scene, including a 5-year-old, an 8-year-old and an 11-year-old. One teacher was also killed.
Two others are hospitalized and sustained “critical injuries,” including a 7-year-old child and 54-year-old teacher. The families of the victims have all been notified, Krantz said.
A community member had fatally shot the suspect, a 16-year-old male, before police arrived at the school, Krantz said. He added that the assailant used a long gun but did not disclose any further details about the weapon, as police are still investigating the incident.
Police first responded to the report of an active shooter at 12:59 p.m. PDT and were on scene three minutes later, at 1:02 p.m. The suspect entered the school by shooting at locked doors.
Bend Police said law enforcement evacuated each classroom and transported children to Journey Church for family reunification, around five minutes from Silver Rail Elementary School.
In a statement Thursday afternoon, Bend-La Pine Schools Superintendent Steven Cook extended sympathy to the families and those affected.
“No words can adequately express the grief our community is experiencing,” Cook said. “Our immediate priorities are caring for our students and staff and assisting law enforcement and emergency responders.”
Also giving remarks at Thursday’s media conference were Bend Mayor Melanie Kebler and Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek (D).
“A school should be a safe place, where children can learn and be secure. What happened today should never happen,” Kebler said.
Kotek praised the law enforcement response and offered her support to the victims and families.
“My daily prayers will be with this community,” Kotek said. “With the children, with the parents and with the educators.”
All schools in the district will be canceled tomorrow in the wake of the shooting, Cook said.
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