Officials are lauding the actions of a local who they say chased down and shot a teenage gunman who killed three children and a teacher at an Oregon elementary school. At a news conference hours after Thursday's attack at Silver Rail Elementary School in Bend, Gov. Tina Kotek praised the person's response as police arrived at the scene, saying they helped end the rampage and likely saved lives.
"To the community member who heroically intervened to stop further loss of life: Your actions carry a heavy emotional burden, and I just want you to know that my thoughts are with you as well," said Kotek. Like police, the Democratic governor didn't provide any details about the person who intervened, including whether they have a link to the school and whether it was a shot they fired that killed the attacker.
The 16-year-old suspect, identified only as a Bend resident, was found dead inside the school minutes after the first calls for help. Police said he got into the school by shooting through locked doors. The children who were killed were ages 5, 8 and 11. Authorities didn't give details about the teacher who was killed. Another 7-year-old child and a 54-year-old teacher were wounded in the attack and were taken to a hospital in critical condition.
The attacker used a pump-action shotgun that was purchased by his mother, according to a law enforcement official briefed on the shooting. Under Oregon law, a minor may possess a shotgun if provided by a parent or by someone else with the parent's consent. Police said they didn't know if the shooter knew anyone at the school or if he had attended it. The first 911 call came early in the afternoon from someone outside the school who reported being shot at by someone with a long gun. More 911 calls came from inside the school, and officers arrived within minutes.
Sources: Las Vegas Sun
Original reporting: Las Vegas Review-Journal →
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