Four Dead Including Three Children in Shooting at Oregon Elementary School
A 16-year-old gunman killed three children and one adult at Silver Rail Elementary in Bend, Oregon. Authorities are investigating the tragic incident.
POLICY WIRE — Bend, Oregon — A tragic shooting at Silver Rail Elementary School on Thursday resulted in the deaths of three children and one adult, according to preliminary reports from law enforcement.
Multiple law enforcement sources identified the perpetrator as a 16-year-old male. Police arrived at the campus around 1 p.m. to find the shooter already deceased inside the building.
Bend Police Department spokesperson Sheila Miller stated that while the identity of the person who killed the shooter remains unconfirmed, it may have been a bystander. Emergency responders transported at least two additional individuals to the hospital for treatment.
The incident began when authorities received an initial 911 call regarding an unknown man firing into a vehicle. Shortly thereafter, multiple reports indicated that an individual had entered the school and opened fire.
Silver Rail Elementary, which serves over 400 students, was placed under lockdown as police established a reunification center for families at the nearby Journey Church. FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed that federal agents are on-site assisting with the investigation, noting, We will make every resource they need available.
Data from the Gun Violence Archive, Education Week, and Everytown for Gun Safety indicates this event marks the 36th shooting on K-12 grounds this year. Nationwide, there have been at least 52 school shootings in 2026, resulting in 28 deaths and 48 injuries.
Bend-La Pine Schools Superintendent Steven Cook expressed the district’s collective sorrow, stating, We are stunned and heartbroken by this senseless tragedy. We extend our deepest sympathy to the families and to everyone affected by this violence. No words can adequately express the grief our community is experiencing.
Oregon Senator Ron Wyden addressed the violence, saying, “My heart is with the victims of today’s shooting at Silver Rail Elementary School and their loved ones now facing the consequences of another school shooting in America.” He added, Once again we must ask how many schools must be shot up before Republicans agree to act to curb gun violence.
City officials have scheduled a follow-up news conference for 5:30 p.m. local time at the City Council Chamber to provide further updates on the developing situation.
Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)
