Tragedy Strikes Oregon: Three Children Among Four Killed in Silver Rail Elementary School Shooting

Police tape cordons off Silver Rail Elementary school in Bend, Oregon, the site of a tragic shooting on October 15. (Photo: Joe Kline/AP)

At least four individuals, including three children, have lost their lives in a shooting incident at an elementary school in Bend, Oregon, according to law enforcement statements provided to CBS and CNN. The incident occurred on Thursday at Silver Rail Elementary school, located in Bend, a city situated approximately 160 km (100 miles) southeast of Portland in the northwestern United States.

Authorities have confirmed that the shooter is deceased. It remains unclear whether the shooter is included in the initial four-person death toll.

Sheila Miller, communications manager for the Bend Police Department, stated on Thursday, "We’re in the process at this time of going room by room and evacuating each of the people who are in that school." She added, "This is the kind of thing we never want to see happen in Bend. It’s devastating."

Miller reported that authorities received a call regarding a shot fired into a car outside the school at 12:59 pm local time (19:59 GMT). Responders arrived on the scene within minutes. The suspect was shot and killed shortly thereafter, though Miller could not confirm whether police or a bystander subdued the individual.

Information regarding the number and condition of those injured was not immediately available.

Kash Patel, the director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), announced via social media that the agency is on-site, providing assistance to local law enforcement in their investigation. "We will make every resource they need available," he posted.

Oregon Governor Tina Kotek confirmed she is closely monitoring the developing situation. U.S. Senator for Oregon, Jeff Merkley, was among the political figures who extended condolences following the shooting. "My heart is with the Bend community and all of the students and families affected. No one should have to fear violence at school," Merkley wrote on the social media platform X.