Shooting in Oregon, the killer was 16 years old: "Killed by a passerby"

A mass shooting occurred at Silver Rail Elementary School in Bend, Oregon, on October 15, 2026, resulting in four fatalities and several injuries. A 16-year-old boy entered the school forcibly and opened fire, killing three children aged five, eight, and 11 years, along with a teacher. A seven-year-old student and a 54-year-old teacher were injured and taken to the hospital. The attacker was later shot dead by a civilian who intervened before law enforcement arrived. The incident took place during lunchtime, with the first emergency call received at 12:59 local time. Additional calls followed shortly thereafter, indicating gunfire inside the school. Police arrived at the scene at 13:02 and found the perpetrator already deceased. The school, which serves students from preschool through fifth grade, has approximately 450 students and 40 staff members. According to police chief Mike Krantz, the initial call came from someone in a vehicle reporting being shot multiple times. Subsequent reports indicated the shooter had entered the school. Police immediately ordered a lockdown of the facility. Upon arrival, officers confirmed the suspect had been shot and was dead. The identity of the individual who shot the attacker has not been disclosed, nor has the type of weapon used by either party. The motive behind the attack remains unclear, and it is unknown whether the perpetrator knew anyone at the school. Authorities have stated that the incident is under investigation, with the FBI assisting in the inquiry. The victim's family has been directed to a church for reunification, while the community grapples with the tragedy. The mayor of Bend, Melanie Kebler, expressed her sorrow over the event, emphasizing that schools should be safe spaces for learning. This shooting marks the 21st mass shooting in the United States in 2026 and is likely to reignite debates over gun control, particularly amid ongoing mid-term election campaigns. The police department has established a meeting point for families of students affected by the incident. A significant number of police cars, ambulances, and fire trucks have been deployed to the scene. Emergency services continue to assess the situation and provide updates. The exact number of injured individuals remains uncertain, though it is known that some children were among the casualties. The police spokesperson, Sheila Miller, noted that authorities are still determining who shot the attacker, suggesting it could have been a passerby. She emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating it is something the community would never wish to experience. Parents and concerned citizens gathered outside the school awaiting further information. The incident has drawn widespread attention, highlighting the persistent issue of school shootings in the United States.