A suspected shooter was killed inside Silver Rail Elementary School in Bend, Oregon, after gunfire left multiple victims, including children, police said Thursday. Officers searched the building room by room while evacuating students and staff and determining how the suspect was shot. At least two people were taken to a nearby hospital, though authorities had not released their conditions or a detailed victim count.
The first emergency call came shortly before 1 p.m., and police arrived within minutes. Families were directed to Journey Church for reunification as hundreds of law enforcement personnel responded and officials urged the public to avoid the school area.
Authorities said there was one suspected shooter and that the person was dead. Investigators had not confirmed whether a bystander intervened, and the incident remained under investigation.
| 1) | Gunfire reported at Silver Rail Elementary School |
| 2) | Suspect killed as officers secure the building |
| 3) | Victims transported while conditions remain unknown |
| 4) | Families directed to a reunification site |
| 5) | Investigation and community response continue |
Gunfire reported at Silver Rail Elementary School
Dispatchers received the first call at approximately 12:59 p.m. Thursday, reporting that a shot had been fired into a car near Silver Rail Elementary School. An alert was sent to officers at about 1 p.m., and police reached the campus at approximately 1:02 p.m.
During the initial response, dispatchers received several 911 calls reporting an active shooter at the school. The campus serves approximately 400 to 450 students and has more than 40 staff members, although officials had not immediately determined how many people were present when the shooting occurred.
Suspect killed as officers secure the building
Police said the suspect was down within seconds of officers arriving. Authorities confirmed there was one shooter and that the suspect was killed inside the school, but they had not established who fired the shot that killed the suspect.
A police communications manager said a bystander may have intervened, while emphasizing that investigators had not confirmed that account. Officers continued moving room by room through the building to evacuate occupants and establish that the campus was secure.
“We don’t have confirmation yet who shot the suspect. It may have been a bystander.”
Victims transported while conditions remain unknown
Bend Fire medics transported at least two people to St. Charles hospital after the shooting. Their conditions were not immediately available, and officials had not said whether those transported were children.
Police said the victims included children, but authorities did not immediately specify the number of children affected or provide a complete account of the injuries. The developing investigation was expected to clarify the victim count and circumstances surrounding the gunfire.
Families directed to a reunification site
Families were directed to Journey Church at 61303 S. Highway 97 in Bend for reunification. The location was established to give parents and guardians a place to reconnect with students as officers continued their work at the elementary school.
Authorities urged members of the public to stay away from the school area while emergency crews and investigators operated at the scene. Hundreds of law enforcement personnel from agencies across Central Oregon responded to the incident.
Investigation and community response continue
Investigators were working to determine the sequence of events, identify the suspect and establish how the shooting began. Officials had not released a motive, details about the weapon or a confirmed explanation of the possible bystander intervention.
The incident drew a response from Jeff Merkley, who said he and his team were monitoring developments and expressed support for students, families and the Bend community.
“No one should have to fear violence at school.”
| No. | Key Point |
|---|---|
| 1 | The shooting was reported at Silver Rail Elementary School in Bend on Thursday. |
| 2 | Police said one suspected shooter was killed inside the school. |
| 3 | Multiple victims, including children, were reported, and at least two people were hospitalized. |
| 4 | Families were sent to Journey Church for reunification. |
| 5 | Authorities had not released victim conditions, a motive or a confirmed account of how the suspect died. |
Summary
The shooting at Silver Rail Elementary School prompted a rapid police response, a room-by-room evacuation and a community reunification effort. The suspected shooter was killed, while children were among the reported victims and at least two people were transported to a hospital. Investigators were continuing to establish the full circumstances, victim count and motive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where did the shooting occur?
The shooting occurred at Silver Rail Elementary School in Bend, Oregon.
What happened to the suspected shooter?
Police said the one suspected shooter was killed inside the school. Investigators had not confirmed whether a bystander or someone else fired the fatal shot.
Where were families told to go?
Families were directed to Journey Church at 61303 S. Highway 97 in Bend for reunification.