Live: Children among dead in shooting at elementary school in Oregon

A 16-year-old boy killed three children and a teacher during a shooting at Silver Rail Elementary School in Bend, Oregon, before being shot by a bystander who chased him into the school, authorities said. The incident occurred on Thursday afternoon, with the suspect found dead inside the school shortly after the initial report of the shooting. The three children killed were aged 5, 8, and 11. Another child, 7, and a teacher, 54, were injured and taken to a hospital in critical condition, according to Bend Police Chief Mike Krantz. The attacker, identified as a resident of Bend, forced his way into the school by shooting at locked doors. He was shot and fell inside the school shortly after officers arrived, police spokesperson Sheila Miller said. The first 911 call came just before 1pm from a person in a vehicle outside the school, reporting being shot at by someone with a long gun. Additional 911 calls followed from inside the school, prompting officers to arrive on the scene quickly. Authorities stated they did not know if the attacker had any connection to the school or had previously attended. The attacker used a pump-action shotgun purchased by his mother, according to a law enforcement official who spoke to the Associated Press on condition of anonymity. The official was not authorized to publicly discuss the investigation. Silver Rail Elementary, located over 160 kilometers southeast of Portland, serves students from kindergarten through fifth grade. As of last year, the school had 459 enrolled students and employed approximately 40 staff members. Oregon Governor Tina Kotek expressed deep sorrow over the incident, calling it a "senseless tragedy." She praised the civilian who intervened to stop the shooter, acknowledging the emotional burden carried by the individual. Children were being reunited with their parents later in the evening. Bend, a city of about 100,000 people in central Oregon, is situated in the high desert region adjacent to the Deschutes National Forest. The school had implemented a lockdown following the shooting, and students were escorted to a nearby church for reunification with their families. Bend-La Pine Schools Superintendent Steven Cook described the event as "stunning and heartbroken," emphasizing the need to care for students and staff while supporting law enforcement efforts. US Representative Maxine Dexter called the shooting a "devastating day for Oregon," stressing the importance of ensuring children's safety in schools. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director Kash Patel announced that federal agents were on site to assist local authorities with the investigation, offering all necessary resources. The exact identity of the person who shot the suspect remains unclear, though police indicated it may have been a bystander. Investigators continue to look into the circumstances surrounding the attack, including whether the shooter had prior ties to the school. The community continues to grapple with the aftermath of the tragedy, with ongoing efforts focused on providing support to those affected and addressing the broader implications of such violent incidents in educational settings.