“[On social media, saying the FBI's Portland field office was assisting local authorities:] We will make every resource they need available.
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Bend, Oregon Silver Rail Elementary School Shooting: Officials React
A 16-Year-Old Shoots His Way Through the Locked Doors of Silver Rail Elementary in Bend, Oregon, Killing Three Children and a Teacher Before a Bystander Stops Him — Rep. Janelle Bynum Says "They're Killing Our Babies," and Ron Wyden Says the Best Way to Honor the Victims Is "to at Long Last Pass Common-Sense Gun Laws"
October 16, 2026
Shortly before 1 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 15, 2026, police say, a 16-year-old Bend resident fired at a passing driver and then forced his way into Silver Rail Elementary School in Bend, Oregon, by shooting through its locked doors. Three children — ages 5, 8 and 11 — and a teacher were killed, and a 7-year-old and a 54-year-old teacher were hospitalized in critical condition. A community member who saw the suspect enter followed him into the school and shot him dead. Police have not named the suspect or a motive; a law enforcement official told the AP the weapon was a pump-action shotgun bought by his mother. Gov. Tina Kotek ordered flags to half-staff and thanked the bystander. Rep. Janelle Bynum, whose district includes Bend, suspended her reelection campaign and flew home, and Sen. Ron Wyden and other Democrats called on Congress to pass gun laws, while Sen. Jeff Merkley's and Kotek's statements stopped short of that. FBI Director Kash Patel said the bureau's Portland field office was assisting.
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Statements Recorded
See what your representatives said?
9 Statements
“[On social media, as the Republican nominee for governor:] We have to commit to protecting our kids. … We have to put a complete stop to shootings at our schools. This has to end.
“[Statement:] My heart goes out to the innocent victims of today's horrific shooting at Silver Rail Elementary School … The best way to honor these victims is to at long last pass common-sense gun laws. [On social media, he asked] how many schools must be shot up before Republicans agree to act to curb gun violence.
“[On the Bend shooting:] Much more must be done. Not a single child should be lost to gun violence. Ever.
“[On the Bend shooting:] Congress must do much more to prevent gun violence.
“[On social media, saying his team was monitoring the situation:] No one should have to fear violence at school.
“[On social media, suspending her reelection campaign:] This is every parent's worst fear. … They're killing our babies. Shredding our kids with lead. Forcing us to live in fear. … Our babies are supposed to do arts and crafts at school, not use their desks as cover from gunfire. They're supposed to make friends, not mourn them. … When will it end?
“[On the Bend shooting:] the epidemic of gun violence in schools across America must come to an end.
“[At a press conference in Bend, thanking the community member who stopped the shooter:] This is a horrible day. No parent should have this day. No community should live through this day. … My heart is absolutely broken today. … And our hearts will stay broken in the days and weeks ahead.