Three children and one teacher killed in Oregon school shooting

Three children and one teacher were killed in a shooting at Silver Rail Elementary School in Bend, Oregon, on October 15, 2026. A 16-year-old boy, identified as a local resident, opened fire at the school, according to police. He was shot dead by an armed bystander who pursued him into the building. Another teacher and a seven-year-old student were hospitalized with critical injuries. The attack occurred around midday. According to Bend Police Chief Mike Krantz, the initial call came at approximately 12:59 PM, reporting a man shooting into a car near the school. Moments later, emergency dispatchers received multiple calls indicating the suspect had entered the school and begun firing. Officers arrived within three minutes and found the suspect already dead. The victims included three children aged five, eight, and 11, and a teacher. The injured were a seven-year-old student and a 54-year-old teacher, both of whom were taken to St. Charles Medical Center with critical injuries. Details about the type of weapon used or the number of rounds fired were not disclosed by police. The shooter entered the school by shooting through locked doors, according to police. No information was given about whether the suspect had any prior connection to the school or a possible motive for the attack. The identity of the bystander who shot the suspect was not revealed. Oregon Governor Tina Kotek expressed deep sorrow over the incident and praised the community member who intervened. She said no parent or community should have to endure such a tragic day. She emphasized the collective grief that would follow as more details about the victims emerged. Silver Rail Elementary School serves students from kindergarten through fifth grade, with about 450 pupils and 40 staff members. Located in Bend, a city of roughly 100,000 people, the school is about 280 kilometers southeast of Portland. Following the incident, authorities evacuated the school and relocated all students and staff to a nearby church for reunification with their families. Police advised the public to stay away from the area as investigations continued. Federal authorities, including FBI Director Kash Patel, confirmed their presence at the scene and pledged to provide necessary resources for the investigation. Further updates were expected in a media briefing scheduled for the following day. Emergency services worked to secure the site and assist those affected. Local officials described the situation as devastating, urging the community to unite in the aftermath of the tragedy.