BEND, Oregon — October 16, 2026 — Three children and a teacher were killed in a shooting at Silver Rail Elementary School in Bend, Oregon, on Thursday, October 15. The 16-year-old suspected gunman also died after a community member confronted him inside the school, authorities said.
The victims were children aged 5, 8 and 11, according to police. A 7-year-old child and a 54-year-old teacher were also taken to hospital with critical injuries following the attack. Officials have not yet publicly released the names of the victims.
Police said emergency dispatchers began receiving reports at approximately 12:59 p.m. local time. One caller reported being shot at by someone carrying a long gun, followed by additional emergency calls reporting that an armed person had entered the elementary school.
The school was placed under lockdown at about 1:01 p.m. Officers arrived at the scene around a minute later. According to Bend Police Chief Mike Krantz, the suspect had forced entry by firing at locked doors.
A community member who saw the teenager entering the school followed him inside and confronted him, police said. The suspect was subsequently found dead. Oregon Governor Tina Kotek praised the intervention, while also recognizing the efforts of school staff, parents and emergency responders.
Authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding the attack, including how the teenager obtained the firearm and whether he had any prior connection to the school. Police have not publicly established a motive, and the suspect’s identity has not been officially released in the reports cited here.
The shooting has left families and residents of Bend mourning as investigators work to establish what happened. Silver Rail Elementary serves children from kindergarten through fifth grade.
Bend-La Pine Schools announced that classes, activities and athletic events across the district were canceled for Friday as the community began responding to the tragedy. A candlelight vigil was also held in Bend on Thursday evening.
The investigation remains ongoing, and further information about the victims, the suspect and the events leading up to the shooting may be released as authorities provide updates.
