Teen Gunman Kills 3 Children, Teacher at Oregon Elementary School Before Being Fatally Shot

A 16-year-old gunman entered Silver Rail Elementary School in Bend, Oregon, on Thursday afternoon and killed three children and a teacher before being fatally shot by a civilian. The identities of the victims and the shooter have not been released by authorities.

The incident began shortly before 1 p.m. Pacific Time when the shooter, armed with a long gun, began firing at the locked doors of a secure vestibule, a protected entry area designed to screen visitors before granting access to the main school building. The gunman then reportedly shot out the locks on the vestibule and proceeded into the school, where he entered a special education area.

Fifth-grade teacher Kathy Sheil Smith described seeing the teenager approaching the school grounds with a long gun. She alerted the school's main office and quickly moved her students to a corner of the classroom, attempting to calm their fear. "They were so afraid, the looks on their faces. It was really hard to see," Smith told KPTV. "I was just trying to calm them down. Some kids were praying, some kids were consoling other kids, but doing so quietly because they know you don't make any noise."

A bystander, who was in a red Toyota Tacoma idling outside the school, reportedly confronted the teen as he approached the building. The shooter fired at the vehicle, causing damage to the truck. A second individual then followed the gunman into the school and fatally shot him, likely preventing a greater tragedy. Dispatch audio suggested the individual who confronted the shooter inside the school may have been the father of a student.

Law enforcement officials stated that the 16-year-old used a pump-action shotgun that had been purchased by his mother. After firing at the truck, the assailant allegedly threw his gun over the school fence and climbed over it. A call was placed to dispatchers around 12:59 p.m. Bend police arrived on the scene by 1:02 p.m. and were informed that the gunman had been neutralized by a community member. Upon entering the school, officers confirmed the suspect was deceased.

Authorities have not disclosed a motive for the shooting, and it remains unclear if the suspect knew anyone at the school or had previously attended it. A seven-year-old child and a 54-year-old teacher were transported to the hospital in critical condition. The school district canceled all classes, activities, and athletic events scheduled for Friday.

A candlelight vigil was held in Downtown Bend on Thursday evening for the victims. The community, known for its outdoor recreation opportunities, was left to grapple with the unthinkable tragedy.