A 16-year-old opened fire at Silver Rail Elementary School in Bend, Oregon, on Thursday afternoon, killing three children and a teacher before he was shot and killed by an armed community member who followed him into the building, police said.
Bend Police Chief Mike Krantz said the shooter, a Bend resident, forced his way into the K-5 school by firing at locked doors with a long gun. Officers received the first 911 call at 12:59 p.m. from a person in a vehicle who reported being shot at multiple times. Additional calls soon followed reporting that a shooter had entered the school. Police arrived on scene by approximately 1:02 p.m. and found the suspect already dead.
Three children, ages 5, 8, and 11, and one teacher were killed at the scene. A 7-year-old child and a 54-year-old teacher were transported to a hospital in critical condition. The families of the victims have been notified, Krantz said. The school serves roughly 450 students.
Krantz said a community member who saw the shooter enter the school pursued him inside and engaged him. Officers confirmed the suspect was dead, cleared the building, and began providing aid to the wounded. Oregon Governor Tina Kotek praised the bystander for intervening and preventing further loss of life.
The investigation remains in its early stages. Police have not publicly confirmed whether the shooter had any connection to the school or identified a motive. The FBI is assisting. Officials have not released the names of the victims or the shooter. Schools in the Bend-La Pine district were closed Friday, and a candlelight vigil was held Thursday evening.
Law enforcement sources speaking to media outlets have identified the 16-year-old as John J. Griffin, possibly John Griffin Jr. Those same sources have described the weapon as a pump-action shotgun purchased by his mother. Police have publicly characterized it only as a long gun and have declined to release further details.
The bystander has been identified by his family as Kaylub Giamanco, a 36-year-old carpenter and father of two daughters who attend Silver Rail. His brother told reporters that Giamanco was driving home from his lunch break when he heard gunfire, saw the shooter enter the school, and followed him inside. He has a concealed-carry permit. The family said he is not seeking recognition and expressed gratitude to first responders and the community.
The 5-year-old victim has been identified by his family as Rhoam Summer. His father posted on social media that his son was killed in the shooting and that the family was “broken and lost.”
Authorities have said another press conference is planned as the investigation continues.