- 3 children, aged 5, 8 and 11, and a teacher were killed at Silver Rail Elementary School in Bend, Oregon, while a 7-year-old student and a 54-year-old teacher were critically injured.
- A 16-year-old suspected gunman was shot and killed by a community member who followed him into the school. Police said the attacker gained entry by shooting at locked doors.
- Authorities canceled classes across Bend-La Pine Schools on October 16, with crisis counseling arranged as investigators work to establish the suspect’s motive and connection to the school.
Three children and a teacher were killed in a shooting at Silver Rail Elementary School in Bend, Oregon, on Thursday, October 15, 2026, before a community member fatally shot the 16-year-old suspected attacker, according to local police.
The victims included children aged 5, 8 and 11 and an unidentified teacher. A 7-year-old student and a 54-year-old teacher were transported to St. Charles Bend Medical Center in critical condition.
Bend Police Chief Mike Krantz confirmed that the suspected shooter was a 16-year-old resident of the city. Authorities had not released the identities of the victims or the teenager.
The first emergency call was received at 12:59 p.m. from someone in a vehicle who reported being shot at several times by a person carrying a long gun.
Dozens of additional 911 calls followed, reporting that an armed individual had entered Silver Rail Elementary School on SE Stone Creek Lane.
Police directed the school to enter lockdown at 1:01 p.m., and the first officers arrived at 1:02 p.m.
According to Krantz, a community member saw the suspect enter the building, followed him inside and confronted him with gunfire. Officers subsequently entered the school and confirmed that the teenager was dead.
A preliminary investigation found that the attacker had forced entry by firing at locked doors. Police had not established how far the suspect progressed into the school, whether he had previously attended it or whether he had any connection to students or staff.
Authorities also had not publicly confirmed the specific firearms used or the number of shots fired. “This is a terrible tragedy and we are working hard to investigate this incident and get as much information as possible out to the public”.
Officers from multiple law enforcement agencies evacuated the building and provided emergency assistance to the injured. Students and staff were transported by bus to Journey Church, where families gathered for reunification.
The district canceled all classes, activities and athletic events for Friday, October 16. Crisis counselors were scheduled to be available at Bend’s Central Library from 9 a.m. to support students, families, school employees and other community members.
Bend police officers had completed a full day of threat response training at a local high school in August.
Bend-La Pine Schools Superintendent Steven Cook praised school employees for their response.
Today, an unthinkable tragedy happened at Silver Rail Elementary School. You did what no one should ever be asked to do. I am so grateful beyond words for your efforts.
Steven Cook, Bend-La Pine Schools Superintendent
Silver Rail Elementary had received classroom door hardware upgrades in 2022 as part of a districtwide safety initiative. The improvements included locks designed to be secured from inside classrooms and remain locked when doors closed.
Oregon Governor Tina Kotek thanked school employees, parents, emergency responders and the community member who intervened during the attack.
To the community member who heroically intervened to stop further loss of life, your actions carry a heavy emotional burden and I just want you to know that my thoughts are with you as well.
She ordered flags at state public institutions to be flown at half-staff from sunrise to sunset on October 16.
Bend Mayor Melanie Kebler said the city would provide support to affected families and encouraged residents to help one another.
Hundreds of people gathered at Drake Park on Thursday evening for a candlelight vigil honoring the victims.
Religious leaders also expressed condolences. Bishop Thomas J. Hennen of the Diocese of Baker and Archbishop Alexander K. Sample of Portland issued statements offering prayers and support to the families and school community.
We expect that our schools are safe places for our children and all who pass through their doors. When a tragedy like this occurs, it shakes us to our core.
Police said the investigation would continue, with another public briefing planned for Friday afternoon. Authorities expect an extended investigative process as they work to establish the circumstances surrounding the attack.
