Authorities believe at least five people are dead following a shooting Thursday at Silver Rail Elementary School in Bend, Oregon, according to two law enforcement officials who spoke to The Associated Press. The officials said the death toll is preliminary and could change. It was not immediately clear if the suspected shooter was included among the five.
Bend police responded around 12:59 p.m. after a report of a gunshot fired into a car outside the school. Within minutes, additional 911 calls came from inside the building reporting an active shooter. Police spokesperson Sheila Miller said the suspect was shot and went down inside the school soon after officers arrived, though it remains unclear whether the shooter was struck by police, a bystander, or died by suicide.
Miller confirmed that multiple victims were children but said she did not have a specific number. At least two people were taken to a hospital earlier in the day. The school, which serves kindergarten through fifth grade and had 459 enrolled students last year, was placed under lockdown as officers went room by room to evacuate students and staff. Families were directed to a reunification site at Journey Church near Highway 97.
"We're in the process at this time of going room by room and evacuating each of the people who are in that school. ... This is the kind of thing we never want to see happen in Bend. It's devastating," Miller said during a media briefing. Bend-La Pine Schools Superintendent Steven Cook said the district was "stunned and heartbroken by this senseless tragedy" and extended its deepest sympathy to affected families. Sen. Ron Wyden also issued a statement saying his heart goes out to the victims and their loved ones.
Sources: FOX5 Vegas, Las Vegas Sun
Original reporting: 8 News Now →
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