Bend Police and other officials provide an update on the deadly shooting at Silver Rail Elementary School during a news conference Thursday, October 15, 2026. (Screenshot courtesy of City of Bend)
BEND, Ore. — Three children and a teacher were killed Thursday, October 15, following a shooting at Silver Rail Elementary School in Bend, Oregon. Two additional victims were critically injured, and a 16-year-old boy suspected of carrying out the attack was also fatally shot, according to authorities.
Bend Police Chief Mike Krantz confirmed the deaths during an evening news conference, providing additional details about the shooting that prompted a large emergency response and drew national attention.
The children killed were 5, 8 and 11 years old. A 7-year-old student and a 54-year-old teacher were also transported to St. Charles Medical Center with critical injuries, according to police. The identities of the victims have not been publicly released.
Authorities said the first emergency call was received at approximately 12:59 p.m. from someone inside a vehicle who reported being fired upon by an individual carrying a long gun outside the elementary school.
Within the following minute, Deschutes County dispatchers received additional 911 calls reporting that an armed individual had entered the school and begun shooting.
Investigators believe the suspected gunman gained access to the building by firing through locked doors.
Bend Police officers arrived at approximately 1:02 p.m., roughly three minutes after the initial emergency call.
During Thursday evening’s news conference, Krantz said the 16-year-old suspect was reportedly shot and killed by a community member who witnessed him entering the school with a firearm.
According to Krantz, the individual followed the suspect inside and confronted him. Authorities believe the intervention resulted in the suspect’s death before responding officers could engage him.
Police have not publicly identified the community member or released further details about the confrontation.
Officers subsequently entered the school and discovered multiple victims. Authorities confirmed that four people had been killed in the attack, bringing the total number of deaths to five when including the suspected gunman.
Emergency responders worked to evacuate students and staff as law enforcement secured the building. Families were directed to a reunification center at Journey Church in Bend, where parents and guardians gathered to locate their children.
Silver Rail Elementary serves approximately 450 students in kindergarten through fifth grade.
Bend-La Pine Schools Superintendent Steven Cook addressed the tragedy, expressing condolences to the families and school community. The district announced that schools would remain closed Friday, October 16, with classes, activities and athletic events canceled.
Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek also addressed the shooting, offering condolences to those affected and thanking the community member who reportedly intervened.
Federal investigators, including the FBI, are assisting local authorities as they work to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.
As of Thursday evening, investigators had not publicly established a motive or confirmed whether the 16-year-old suspect had any previous connection to Silver Rail Elementary.
The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities are expected to release additional information as more details are confirmed.
About the Author
Discover more from Bellingham Metro News
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
