Oregon School Shooter May Have Had Nazi Obsession, Investigators Say

Investigators are exploring a potential obsession with Nazism as a motive for the elementary school shooting in Bend, Oregon, that left four people dead, according to a report.

Griffin John, the 16-year-old gunman, had his electronics seized from his mother's home, and investigators are scrutinizing his online activity for any connections to extremist groups, The Oregonian reported.

Law enforcement sources familiar with the investigation indicated that John's online interactions with violent extremist groups, including a group known as "764," are a focus. This group reportedly threatens, blackmails, and manipulates young people into sharing or live-streaming violent acts, suicide, and sexually explicit content. Warnings about the group have been issued by law enforcement agencies across the country, leading to several arrests.

The rampage began last Thursday when John opened fire outside Silver Rail Elementary School with a pump-action shotgun that had been purchased by his mother. He then entered the school, fatally shooting three children aged 5 to 11 and a 25-year-old teacher in a special education classroom. Another teacher, 54, was wounded, as was a 7-year-old girl who was shot in the face while in a wheelchair.

The violence concluded when a bystander intervened and shot the gunman. Community members gathered in the days following the shooting to pay their respects outside the school.