Authorities in Bend, Ore., said in a Thursday Facebook post that there was a report of an active shooter at a local elementary school, Silver Rail Elementary.
“There is a large police presence in the area. Please avoid the area. We will share more information as soon as we can,” said the post.
In a press conference streamed on the page, Bend Police Department Communications Director Sheila Miller said “we’re thinking of everyone in this community and care very deeply.” She also said that the report came in around 1 p.m., with some reports indicating that the suspect was down inside the school.
An initial report was about a shooter outside the school building shooting into a car. Then, multiple 911 calls started coming in from within the school, Miller said.
“Dispatch sent out an alert tone to send all law enforcement to the scene. At 1:02 p.m., Bend Police officers were on the scene. Seconds later, officers reported the suspect had been shot and killed, possibly by a bystander,” said a press release.
Miller explained that 450 students go to Silver Rail and that they were evacuated due to the incident. When asked who killed the shooter, Miller said that it is still under investigation and that it might have been a bystander. She did not have information about what gun was used or details about who the suspect was.
“We’ve got to be really thorough and make sure each area of the building is cleared,” said Miller. She added that Bend police are the lead team on the investigation.
According to Miller, at least two people were transported to St. Charles Health in Bend and the total number of victims is unclear. She said that the status of the people transported to the hospital was unknown at the time of the press conference.
“At this time, we have confirmed there are multiple victims,” said the Bend Police Department press release. “At least two people were transported to St. Charles Bend. Their status at this time is not known. Children are among the victims.”
Bend-La Pine Schools Superintendent Steven Cook said: “We are stunned and heartbroken by this senseless tragedy.” He also added: “We extend our deepest sympathy to the families and to everyone affected by this violence. No words can adequately express the grief our community is experiencing. Our immediate priorities are caring for our students and staff and assisting law enforcement and emergency responders.”
