US School Shooting: Four Children and a Teacher Killed in Oregon Attack; 16-Year-Old Suspect Shot Dead

Washington: A deadly shooting at Silver Rail Elementary School in Bend, Oregon, has left four children and a teacher dead, while another child and a second teacher sustained injuries, according to police. The 16-year-old suspect was also killed after a local resident confronted him during the attack, authorities said.

The shooting occurred at approximately 1 p.m. local time on Thursday, triggering an emergency response from police and other rescue teams. Investigators are working to establish the motive behind the attack and reconstruct the sequence of events.

Multiple Emergency Calls Trigger Police Response

According to the Bend Police Department, the first emergency call reported an unidentified individual firing shots at a car near the school. Several additional calls soon followed, reporting that someone had entered the school and opened fire.

Police officers arrived within seconds and found the teenage suspect dead from a gunshot wound. Police Chief Mike Krantz said a local resident had followed the attacker into the school and confronted him during the incident, resulting in the suspect’s death.

The details were reported by CNN, citing police officials.

Children Among Those Killed; Two Others Injured

Media reports stated that three of the children killed were aged five, eight and 11. The age of the fourth child had not been disclosed at the time of reporting. A teacher was also among those killed.

A seven-year-old child and another teacher suffered injuries and were taken to hospital for treatment.

Silver Rail Elementary School caters to students from kindergarten through fifth grade. The school reportedly has approximately 450 students and 40 staff members.

School Locked Down, Families Reunited

Following the shooting, authorities placed the school under lockdown while emergency teams responded to the scene. Officials arranged a reunification centre at a nearby church to help students reconnect with their families.

Buses carrying students and school staff subsequently arrived at the designated location.

The Bend-La Pine School District announced that all schools in the district would remain closed on Friday. Other activities and sporting events were also cancelled as the community grappled with the tragedy.

FBI Joins Investigation

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) confirmed that it was assisting local law enforcement with the investigation. FBI Director Kash Patel indicated that agents were at the scene and that the agency would provide the necessary resources to support the inquiry.

Authorities are continuing to investigate the motive, identify all victims and establish the full circumstances surrounding the shooting.

Governor, Leaders Express Grief

Oregon Governor Tina Kotek expressed sorrow over the loss of life and called on the public to support the affected families and the wider community.

School District Superintendent Steven Cook also offered condolences to the victims’ families, describing the incident as a devastating tragedy.

Former Bend Mayor Jeff Eager said the shooting had left the local community in shock. US Senator Ron Wyden likewise expressed support for the victims and their families, renewing calls for action to address gun violence.

Police said the investigation remains ongoing, with further details expected as authorities establish the circumstances that led to the deadly attack.