Bend, Oregon Silver Rail Elementary School Shooting: Officials React
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.
“[On social media, saying the FBI's Portland field office was assisting local authorities:] We will make every resource they need available.”