A shooting at an elementary school in Oregon has resulted in the deaths of three children and a teacher. The suspect, a 16-year-old local boy, was shot and killed by a bystander who intervened to stop further harm.
What happened
The incident occurred at Silver Rail Elementary School in the city of Bend, where the suspect forced his way into the school by shooting at locked doors. The three children killed were aged 5, 8, and 11, and a 54-year-old teacher also lost their life. A seven-year-old and another teacher were taken to the hospital in critical condition.
According to police, the attacker was shot dead by a community member who pursued him into the school and engaged him. Police arrived at the scene three minutes later and confirmed that the suspect had been killed. The school had recently installed new classroom doors with lockable switches, but the suspect was still able to gain entry.
The incident has left the local community in shock, with the school district's top administrative official describing it as a senseless tragedy. The governor of Oregon has praised the bystander who intervened, saying their actions heroically prevented further loss of life. Schools in the area have been closed to allow the community time to heal.
