Updated at 4:10pm pacific time
Bend, Ore. — A suspected shooter is dead and multiple people, including children, have been injured following a reported shooting Thursday afternoon at Silver Rail Elementary School in Bend.
The Bend Police Department responded to the school, located at 61530 SE Stone Creek Lane, after receiving reports of an active shooter. The incident prompted a large law enforcement response and a lockdown of the elementary school.
Bend Police confirmed that the suspected shooter was killed, although authorities have not yet disclosed the suspect’s identity or confirmed who fired the fatal shot.
“We don’t have confirmation yet who shot the suspect. It may have been a bystander,” said Bend Police Department’s communications manager Sheila Miller during a press briefing.
Police also confirmed multiple victims, including children. At least two people were reportedly transported to a local hospital, although their conditions and the full extent of the injuries were not immediately known.
The Bend-La Pine School District confirmed the school was placed under lockdown as emergency personnel responded to the incident.
Authorities established a family reunification location at Journey Church, 61303 S. Highway 97 in Bend, near Goodwill and Dairy Queen. Parents and guardians of Silver Rail Elementary students have been directed to that location rather than the school.
Multiple law enforcement agencies responded, including Bend Police, the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office, Oregon State Police and federal law enforcement personnel.
Silver Rail Elementary serves students in kindergarten through fifth grade and had approximately 450 students enrolled.
Authorities have not yet released information regarding the circumstances leading up to the shooting or a possible motive.
“We are stunned and heartbroken by this senseless tragedy,” said Bend-La Pine Schools Superintendent Steven Cook. “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-LaPine Schools have announced a closure for all schools tomorrow, along with all athletic games and activities.
A community vigil is planned for 7 p.m. at Drake Park in Bend.
This is a developing story. The Prineville Review will provide updates as additional information is confirmed by law enforcement and school officials.
Mr. Alderman is an investigative journalist specializing in government transparency, non-profit accountability, consumer protection, and is a subject matter expert on Oregon’s public records and meetings laws. As a former U.S. Army Military Police Officer, he brings a disciplined investigative approach to his reporting that has frequently exposed ethics violations, financial mismanagement, and transparency failures by public officials and agencies.
