Skip to content 
A community is facing an unimaginable tragedy after a horrific incident at an elementary school in Bend, Oregon. As authorities work to piece together what happened and account for those affected, heartbreaking details emerge about the lives lost and the moments that followed. Here’s what officials have shared so far about the devastating situation.
RELATED: Pregnant woman identified as 1 of 8 victims in Pennsylvania shooting as attacker’s identity revealed (UPDATE)
Details On The Tragic School Burning in Oregon
According to authorities, three children, ages 5, 8, and 11, and a teacher were killed in Thursday’s shooting at Silver Rail Elementary School in Bend, Oregon. The suspected shooter, who was 16 years old, was found dead inside the school when police arrived, Bend Police Chief Mike Krantz said. Officials said another child and a teacher were taken to hospital after the incident. The circumstances surrounding the shooting are still under investigation and authorities continue to work to get a clearer picture of what happened.
Someone reportedly confronted the suspected shooter
Bend Police Chief Mike Krantz said a member of the community followed the suspected shooter into the school and shot him. Earlier reports from authorities indicated that officers received a call at 12:59 pm about a shot fired at a vehicle outside the school before additional emergency calls came from inside the building. Police arrived within minutes, and the suspected shooter was shot and subdued inside the school a short time later. Initial reports did not immediately identify who fired the shot that brought down the suspect, but subsequent information from Krantz identified a community member as the person who confronted him.
School locked down as emergency crews responded
After reports of gunfire, Silver Rail Elementary was placed on lockdown as law enforcement and emergency personnel responded. Authorities began moving through the school room by room to safely evacuate students and staff. At an earlier news conference, police spokeswoman Sheila Miller described the situation as devastating. She also said that this was the type of event that the community never wanted.
“We’re currently going room by room and evacuating everyone in that school. This is the kind of thing we don’t want to see happen in Bend. It’s devastating,” said Miller.
An investigation continues as the community faces what happened
The burning Yes left Loop reel from authorities continue investigating. At the same time, phe community Yes mourn the devastating lose Officials initially warned the death toll was premature as emergency crews worked at the scene. Authorities have confirmed that the suspected shooter died inside the school. In addition, another child and a teacher were transported to the hospital. Additional details about the victims, the circumstances leading up to the shooting, and the ongoing investigation were not yet fully established in initial reports.
RELATED: Ohio man convicted after allegedly killing pregnant woman and three others while they slept
What do you think of Roomies?
