A Bend Police Department spokesperson briefs media following a shooting at Silver Rail Elementary in Bend, Oregon, left multiple victims, including children. Police reported the suspect dead. (Photo: Bend Police Department)
BEND, Ore. — A gunman entered Silver Rail Elementary School in Bend and opened fire Thursday, leaving multiple victims, including children, and prompting an emergency evacuation and a massive law enforcement response.
Bend police responded to the school at 12:59 p.m. Oct. 15 after receiving a report that a man had fired a gun into a vehicle. Within a minute, Deschutes County dispatchers received multiple 911 calls reporting that someone had entered the school and begun shooting.
Bend-La Pine Schools Superintendent Steven Cook expressed condolences to the victims, their families and the broader community.
“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.”
Bend-La Pine Schools Superintendent Steven Cook
Law enforcement agencies immediately mobilized to the scene. Bend police officers arrived at 1:02 p.m. Seconds later, officers reported that someone had shot and killed the suspect, possibly a bystander, according to the initial police statement.
Authorities confirmed multiple victims in their initial report. At least two people went to St. Charles Bend for treatment. Officials had not disclosed their conditions.
Police had not released the total number of victims or identified the suspect in the initial statement.
Students Evacuated to Reunification Site
Law enforcement officers began evacuating classrooms at Silver Rail Elementary as emergency responders worked at the scene.
Bend-La Pine Schools buses transported students to Journey Church at 61303 S. Highway 97. School officials directed families and guardians to the church to reunite with their children.
Police urged the public to avoid the area around the school and the reunification site, warning that a large law enforcement presence would remain at both locations.
Silver Rail Elementary stands at 61530 SE Stone Creek Lane in Bend.
School District Responds to Shooting
Cook said the district’s immediate priorities were caring for students and staff while assisting law enforcement and emergency responders.
The shooting prompted local law enforcement and school officials to coordinate the evacuation, account for students and reunite children with their families.
Authorities had not released further details about the circumstances of the shooting, the victims’ identities or the suspect’s possible motive in the initial statement.
This is a developing story. PNW Daily will update this report as authorities release additional information.
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