BEND, October 16, 2026 — A 16-year-old shooter entered Silver Rail Elementary School in Bend, Oregon, killing four people and wounding two others before being shot dead by a bystander, police said.
What happened at Silver Rail Elementary
The suspect forced his way into the school by shooting at locked doors shortly before 1 p.m. on Thursday, according to Bend Police Chief Mike Krantz. Officers arrived within three minutes of the first 911 call and found the suspect had already been killed by a community member who saw him enter the school, pursued him, and engaged him. An EMS dispatch indicated the shooter may have been shot by a father at the school, though officials have not confirmed the bystander’s identity or connection to the school.
Victims and injuries confirmed
Three children aged 5, 8 and 11 and one teacher were killed in the shooting, authorities said. Two others, a 7-year-old child and a 54-year-old teacher, were critically wounded and taken to St. Charles Medical Center. No names of the victims or suspect have been released pending notification of families, police said.
Official response and investigation
FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed the FBI’s local office was on scene assisting local law enforcement, with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives also present. Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek praised the bystander who “heroically intervened to stop further loss of life,” saying the person’s actions carry a heavy emotional burden. Kotek said she had visited Silver Rail Elementary almost a year ago to congratulate parents on student attendance. Police have not disclosed the type of weapon used or how many rounds were fired, and investigators have not established whether the suspect had any connection to the school.
Community and school district reaction
Authorities evacuated the school and transported students and staff to a nearby church for reunification. Bend-La Pine Schools canceled all classes and athletic events for Friday following the shooting. The shooting marks the 36th K-12 school shooting in the U.S. this year according to CNN’s analysis of events reported by the Gun Violence Archive, Education Week and Everytown for Gun Safety. Gov. Tina Kotek said she heard joy and excitement from parents during her visit last year, and that her heart is absolutely broken today.
What comes next for healing and safety
Investigators continue to review evidence and interview witnesses as they work to understand the motive and circumstances behind the attack. No further details about the suspect or the bystander have been released. The community remains in mourning as officials coordinate support services for families and first responders. School officials said counseling resources will be made available to students, staff and families in the days ahead.
How the shooter was stopped
According to Bend Police Chief Mike Krantz, a community member who saw the suspect enter Silver Rail Elementary School pursued him into the building and engaged him in gunfire, killing the shooter before officers arrived. Officers reached the scene within three minutes of the first 911 call and found the suspect already down. An EMS dispatch indicated the shooter may have been shot by a father at the school, though officials have not confirmed the bystander’s identity or connection to the school.
Background on Silver Rail Elementary School
Silver Rail Elementary School, located in Bend, Oregon, serves students from kindergarten through fifth grade and is part of the Bend-La Pine Schools district. The school has been recognized in recent years for strong student attendance, a fact noted by Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek during a visit nearly a year prior to the shooting, when she congratulated parents on their children’s engagement. Bend-La Pine Schools oversees more than 30 schools across Deschutes County, with Silver Rail Elementary serving a suburban population in central Oregon. The district emphasized its commitment to student safety and community involvement in communications following the tragedy.
Sources
- 3 children, 1 teacher killed in shooting at Bend, Oregon, elementary school, police say; suspect dead
- 3 children and a teacher were killed in Oregon elementary school shooting, police say. The teen shooter is also dead | CNN
- Bend, Oregon elementary school shooting: 3 children, 1 teacher killed; teen suspect dead
Photo: born1945 (CC BY 2.0)
