5 killed, including children and suspect, in school shooting in Bend, Oregon
A shooting at an elementary school in Bend, Oregon, has left at least four victims dead, including children, according to media reports. The shooter was shot and killed inside the school, possibly by a bystander.
The shooting happened Thursday afternoon at Silver Rail Elementary School. Dispatchers received the first call at approximately 12:59 p.m., reporting a shot fired into a car, followed by multiple 911 calls reporting an active shooter at the school.
Police issued an emergency alert to officers at 1 p.m., and officers arrived at approximately 1:02 p.m. Seconds later, a radio transmission reported that the suspect was down, according to the department’s communications manager.
Police confirmed that children were among the victims but have not released a total victim count. CBS News and CNN report, citing law enforcement sources, that at least three children and one adult were killed in the shooting.
Authorities confirmed the suspect was shot and killed but said they had not determined who fired the fatal shot. Police said a bystander may have been responsible.
“It was one shooter. That suspect is deceased,” the communications manager said in a briefing.
Two additional victims have been transported to St. Charles hospital, but their conditions are not yet known.
Hundreds of law enforcement personnel responded, along with Bend firefighters and other emergency crews. Officers are going room by room to evacuate students and staff, who are being taken by bus to a family reunification site.
Families were directed to Journey Church at 61303 South Highway 97, near Goodwill and Dairy Queen. Authorities asked people to avoid the school while the response continues.
Bend-La Pine Schools placed Silver Rail Elementary on lockdown. Police said approximately 400 to 450 children attend the school, which has more than 40 staff members.
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Ella Rae Greene, Editor In Chief
