Deadly Attack at Oregon Elementary School Claims Five Lives, Including a Teacher

“We are stunned and heartbroken by this senseless tragedy,” said Steven Cook, the school district’s chief administrator, in a statement.

“No words can adequately express the grief our community is experiencing.”

Emergency services responded to reports of an active shooter at Silver Rail Elementary in Bend, Oregon, at 12:59 local time (04:59 BST), according to Bend Police Department spokeswoman Sheila Miller.

The first call came from a witness who reported that an unknown gunman was firing a long gun into their car. Police released photos from the scene showing a red truck riddled with bullet holes.

Minutes later, the county dispatch center received multiple 911 calls indicating that the assailant had entered the school.

Police said he shot at the door locks to force his way inside.

A bystander saw the shooting unfold, gave chase into the school, and shot the attacker dead, authorities reported.

Officers arrived on the scene three minutes later, confirmed the shooter’s death, and then conducted a thorough search of the building.

The victims were identified as three children aged 5, 8, and 11, along with a teacher. A seven‑year‑old and a 54‑year‑old teacher were taken to a local hospital with critical injuries, officials said.

Police have identified the shooter as a 16‑year‑old local boy but are withholding further details pending an ongoing investigation.

Neither the identities of the victims, the shooter, nor the civilian who shot him have been released.

All schools in Bend were closed on Friday as officials said the community needs time to grieve and recover.

Silver Rail Elementary serves roughly 450 students and employs more than 40 adult staff members, according to police.

Local media reports note that the school installed new secure doors in 2022 that can lock classrooms with a flip of a switch.

According to the K‑12 School Shooting Database, there were 235 school shooting incidents nationwide last year and at least 140 so far this year, including this tragedy.

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