TV Anchor Emotional Reporting on Oregon Elementary School Shooting

KTVZ evening news anchor Lee Anderson became emotional on-air Thursday while reporting on the Silver Rail Elementary School shooting in Bend, Oregon, as he learned that children were among the victims. The 16-year-old gunman was killed by a community member inside the school.

Anderson and co-host Kelsey Merison were delivering live updates on the incident, which began shortly before 1 p.m. PST. Police identified the suspect as a Bend resident. The attacker was reportedly shot and killed by a father of a student inside the building, minutes after initiating the attack. "But other shots were fired... and this really breaks my heart, some children... are among the victims," Anderson said, his voice trembling as he fought back tears. He concluded the sentiment by stating, "And our thoughts and prayers go out to them and their families."

The shooting resulted in the deaths of three children, aged five, eight, and 11. Another child, aged seven, and a 54-year-old teacher sustained injuries and were transported to the hospital in critical condition. The identities of the victims, the shooter, the individual who intervened, and the motive behind the massacre have not yet been released by authorities.

Reports indicate the incident began when the suspect, armed with a long gun, approached the school building. A driver in a red Toyota Tacoma pickup truck reportedly confronted the teenager in the school parking lot. The suspect allegedly fired numerous shots at the civilian and his vehicle before throwing his weapon over the school fence and climbing over. The driver then contacted Deschutes County 911.

Officers responded rapidly, initiating a lockdown of the school. During this time, dispatchers received numerous 911 calls from inside the building as the suspect forced his way in by shooting at locked doors. Upon arrival, officers found the suspect deceased inside the school. Police stated that a community member pursued and engaged the gunman shortly after he opened fire, preventing further loss of life. Oregon Governor Tina Kotek acknowledged this individual's heroic intervention, recognizing the emotional burden and expressing gratitude for their actions.

The shooter had acquired a pump-action shotgun purchased by his mother, though it remains unclear if he had any prior connection to the school. Children were bused to a nearby church for reunification with their parents. Silver Rail Elementary School, which serves kindergarten through fifth grade, had 459 enrolled students as of last year. Classes, sports, and extracurricular activities were canceled Friday for all 32 schools in the Bend-La Pine district.

This incident marks the 28th mass killing in the U.S. this year, according to a database maintained by The Associated Press and USA Today in partnership with Northeastern University.