Three Children, One Adult Reported Killed in Silver Rail Elementary School Shooting
BEND, Ore. — Three children and one adult were reportedly killed Thursday, October 15, in a shooting at Silver Rail Elementary School, according to news organizations citing law enforcement sources. Police confirmed the suspected shooter also died, but officials cautioned that information remained preliminary as investigators worked to establish the full toll.
The emergency began at approximately 12:59 p.m. when authorities received a report of someone firing into a vehicle outside the school. Additional emergency calls reported gunfire inside the building. Officers arrived within minutes, and a radio transmission soon indicated the suspect was down, according to Bend police spokesperson Sheila Miller.
Police had not confirmed who fired the shot that killed the suspect. Miller said a bystander may have been involved, but that possibility remained under investigation. At least two people were transported to St. Charles Bend hospital. Their conditions were not immediately available, and officials had not clarified whether they were included in reported casualty totals.
Emergency crews secured the campus while officers searched classrooms and evacuated students and staff. Hundreds of parents and community members gathered at Journey Church, where authorities established a reunification center. Children were still being evacuated hours after the initial reports of gunfire.
Bend-La Pine Schools canceled all Friday classes. Superintendent Steven Cook expressed grief and said the district’s immediate priorities included supporting students and employees while assisting emergency responders. The FBI joined local authorities in investigating the attack.
Silver Rail serves elementary students from kindergarten through fifth grade. Authorities had not publicly established a motive or released victims’ names in the reports available Thursday afternoon.
Deschutes County was assembling mental health professionals to support children and the broader community. Local clergy also planned a Thursday evening vigil at Drake Park as families awaited further information about the tragedy.