3 children, teacher among 5 dead in Oregon elementary school shooting
Bend’s police chief confirms suspected shooter was 16-year-old local resident
WASHINGTON, United States (MNTV) – Three children and a teacher were among five people found dead following a shooting at an elementary school in Bend, Oregon, police said Thursday.
“Our officers entered the building and confirmed the suspect was dead. They cleared the school to ensure there were no additional threats and then rendered emergency aid to the victims,” Mike Krantz, the chief of police of the City of Bend, told reporters.
“Officers at the scene located five people who had succumbed to their injuries, including the suspect. The deceased at the scene include three children ages five, eight and 11 and one teacher,” he added.
Krantz said a seven-year-old child and a 54-year-old teacher were transported to a hospital with “critical injuries.”
He said the suspected shooter was a 16-year-old resident of Bend.
“At this point, with the investigation being so orderly, we’re not going to release any information about the specific type of weapon or how many rounds were fired. But as reported, it was a long gun when we received that information,” he said.
Earlier, the City of Bend Police Department said it was responding to a report of an active shooter at the local Silver Rail Elementary School.
Sheila Miller, communications manager for the Bend Police Department, told reporters that children were among multiple victims.
Authorities have not yet determined who shot the suspect, with Miller saying the gunfire may have come from a “bystander.”
She said the suspect was shot inside the school.
Miller said approximately 400 to 450 children attend the school, which has more than 40 staff members.
Krantz later said that the suspect had been shot by a community member who saw him enter the school, pursued him inside and engaged him.
He said the initial investigation indicates that the shooter forced his way into the school by shooting at locked doors.
Bend Mayor Melanie Kebler said it was an “awful day” for the community.
“A school should be a safe place where children can learn and feel secure,” Kebler told reporters.
‘No one should have to fear violence at school’
FBI chief Kash Patel said FBI Portland is on the scene and assisting local partners in the investigation regarding the shooting.
“We will make every resource they need available,” Patel said on the US social media platform X.
Oregon Gov. Tina Kotel said she is closely monitoring the situation.
“I am grateful to the first responders who are on the scene. I will share as I learn more,” she said.
Sen. Jeff Merkley of Oregon said he and his team were closely monitoring reports of the active shooter situation.
“As details continue to come out, my heart is with the Bend community and all of the students and families affected. No one should have to fear violence at school,” Merkley said X.
Bend-La Pine Schools Superintendent Steven Cook said they are “stunned and heartbroken by this senseless tragedy.”
Cook extended his deepest sympathy to the families and to everyone affected by “the violence.”
“No words can adequately express the grief our community is experiencing. Our immediate priorities are caring for our students and staff and assisting law enforcement and emergency responders,” he said.
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