3 children, 1 teacher and suspect killed in Oregon elementary school shooting

The suspected shooter, a 16-year-old, was killed by a community member who followed them into the school.BEND, Ore. (CN) — A shooter at an elementary school in Bend, Oregon, killed three children and one adult, police reported on Thursday.The suspected shooter, identified as a 16-year-old Bend resident, was killed on the scene. According to police, the suspect gained access to the school by shooting at locked doors.The suspect was shot by a community member who witnessed the suspect enter the school and followed him inside, according to police. Police did not identify the community member.Those killed include a 5-year-old, 8-year-old, 11-year-old and an adult teacher. A 7-year-old child and a 54-year-old teacher were transported to the hospital with critical injuries, police said.“There are not really any words I can say to any of you that will make this better,” Bend Police Department Chief Mike Krantz said at a media briefing. “But please know that we are working hard to ensure that we conduct a thorough investigation.”The Bend Police Department received a call reporting a shot fired into a vehicle near the school at 12:59 p.m. on Thursday. Officers directed the school to go into lockdown at 1:01 p.m. and arrived on the scene one minute later.“Moments later, an officer reported that a suspect had been shot by a community member who had seen the suspect enter the school and pursued him into the school and engaged him,” Krantz said.Community leaders in Bend and Oregon expressed shock and grief.“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,” Governor Tina Kotek said. “This is a horrible day. No parent should have to have this kind of day, and no community should have to live through this kind of day.”Over 400 students attend Silver Rail Elementary School. The school is canceling classes on Friday, and school officials said crisis counselors will be available to support the student body and community in the aftermath of the shooting. Bend is holding a community vigil Thursday night.“On behalf of the City of Bend, I send my deepest condolences to every person impacted by this tragedy,” said Bend Mayor Melanie Kebler. “We grieve with you, and we will support one another through the difficult days ahead.”Bend-La Pine Schools Superintendent Steven Cook said classes and all school activities will be canceled districtwide on Friday, and crisis counselors will be available to support the student body and community in the aftermath of the shooting.“I don’t have any words for what this community is feeling right now, and I don’t think anyone does,” Cook said. “We are heartbroken. We are horrified.”The police could not confirm whether the suspect had a connection to the school. The suspect was armed with a long gun.Police said students were transported by bus to a nearby church to be reunited with their families and guardians.Police said the investigation is ongoing and more details are expected to be released Friday afternoon.“We appreciate your patience as we continue to investigate this terrible tragedy,” Krantz said. “This is something we never want to happen anywhere, but especially and particularly in our beautiful community here in Bend.”Subscribe to our free newslettersOur weekly newsletter Closing Arguments offers the latest about ongoing trials, major litigation and rulings in courthouses around the U.S. and the world, while the monthly Under the Lights dishes the legal dirt from Hollywood, sports, Big Tech and the arts.Additional Reads