Bend-La Pine Schools Superintendent Steven Cook expressed profound sorrow over a recent tragedy at Silver Rail Elementary School. He stated that the district is ‘stunned and heartbroken by this senseless tragedy.’ Cook extended deep sympathy to the families and everyone affected by the violence. He emphasized that ‘no words can adequately express the grief our community is experiencing.’ The district’s immediate focus is on caring for students and staff and supporting law enforcement and emergency responders.
Bend police responded rapidly to the incident, arriving at Silver Rail Elementary School within three minutes of the initial call. A detailed timeline was provided by police:
- 12:59 p.m. PT: A report was received of an ‘unknown man’ firing a shot into a car.
- 1:00 p.m.: Multiple 911 calls indicated a person had entered the school and started shooting. An alert was issued for officers to respond urgently.
- 1:02 p.m.: Officers reached the scene. Moments later, they were informed via radio that the suspect was down.
Additionally, Bend Mayor Melanie Kebler and other officials planned a news conference to address the shooting.
At the scene, FBI agents from the Portland bureau were assisting local authorities. FBI Director Kash Patel emphasized their commitment to provide necessary resources. Oregon State Police might take the lead in the investigation.
The St. Charles Health System, where at least two victims were transported, expressed heartfelt support for the families and community. The conditions of those hospitalized remain unknown.
Silver Rail Elementary is still in lockdown with police and emergency services on-site. The school district has advised locals to stay away from the area. A reunification center for families is set up at Journey Church.
Oregon Governor Tina Kotek is closely monitoring the situation and expressed gratitude to the first responders.
Police confirmed that there was one suspect in the shooting, who is now deceased. Sheila Miller, a spokesperson for Bend police, mentioned the possibility that a bystander may have shot the suspect. Investigations are ongoing to determine the exact circumstances.
Authorities are conducting searches room by room to evacuate individuals safely. Silver Rail Elementary has about 400 to 450 students and more than 40 staff members. Following the incident, at least two individuals, including children, were hospitalized. A reunification center for families has been established near the site.
Bend, Oregon, where the shooting took place, is located about 3 ½ hours southeast of Portland.