Multiple victims, including children, were reported after a shooting at Silver Rail Elementary School in Bend, Oregon, Thursday afternoon. The suspect was reported shot and killed, according to information released by authorities.
CNAW2News.com is following this developing story because of its national significance. While the incident is outside our normal East Alabama and West Georgia coverage area, major breaking news events with national impact are important to keep our readers informed about.
At approximately 12:59 p.m., Bend Police responded to Silver Rail Elementary after receiving a report that an unknown man had fired a gun into a vehicle. Within the following minute, Deschutes County Dispatch received multiple 911 calls reporting that someone had entered the school and begun shooting.
Dispatch issued an alert tone, sending law enforcement officers to the scene. Bend Police officers arrived at approximately 1:02 p.m. Seconds later, officers reported that the suspect had been shot and killed, possibly by a bystander. Additional details about the circumstances surrounding the suspect’s death were not immediately available.
Authorities confirmed multiple victims in the shooting. At least two people were transported to St. Charles Bend for treatment, although their conditions were not immediately known. Children were among the victims.
Law enforcement officers began evacuating classrooms at Silver Rail Elementary as emergency responders worked at the scene.
Students were being transported by Bend-La Pine Schools buses to Journey Church, located at 61303 S Highway 97, for reunification with their families and guardians. Authorities urged families to go to that location and asked the public to avoid the area because of the significant law enforcement presence expected to remain at the school and church.
Bend-La Pine Schools Superintendent Steven Cook expressed condolences to the families and community members affected by the shooting.
“We are stunned and heartbroken by this senseless tragedy,” Cook said. “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. Our immediate priorities are caring for our students and staff and assisting law enforcement and emergency responders.”
The investigation remains ongoing. Additional information about the victims, the suspect and the circumstances surrounding the shooting had not been released in the information provided to CNAW2News.com.
CNAW2News.com will continue monitoring this major national breaking news story and provide updates as verified information becomes available.
