3 children, 1 adult killed in shooting at Bend, Oregon, elementary school, sources say; suspect dead

At least three children and one adult were killed in a shooting at Silver Rail Elementary School in Bend, Oregon, on Thursday, multiple law enforcement sources told CBS News. The suspect was shot and killed — possibly by a bystander, police said.

Bend Police communications manager Sheila Miller said in a news conference that at least two people were taken to St. Charles Medical Center and that "the victims include children." The total number of victims was not clear, Miller said.

Police received a call about a man shooting into a car just before 1 p.m. local time, Miller said. About a minute later, multiple 911 calls came in saying that person had entered the school and started shooting, police said in a statement.

Police arrived within 3 minutes and quickly reported that the shooter was dead. Miller said it was not clear who shot and killed the suspect, saying it "may have been a bystander." Sources told CBS News the shooter was believed to be a teenager who was killed by a good Samaritan. 

No further information on the suspect was provided.

Police were evacuating classrooms at Silver Rail Elementary and said there would be a large law enforcement presence at the school and a church that is being used a reunification area for families "for the foreseeable future."

FBI Director Kash Patel said the agency's local office was on scene and assisting local law enforcement. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives was also on scene to assist local authorities, including the Oregon State Police, a law enforcement source said.

"We are stunned and heartbroken by this senseless tragedy," Bend-La Pine Schools Superintendent Steven Cook. "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."  

Bend is located in central Oregon, about 150 miles southeast of Portland. 

Last year there were 235 shooting incidents at K-12 schools in the U.S., according to data from the K-12 School Shooting Database. So far this year, there have been at least 149, including the one in Bend, Oregon. While still higher than pre-pandemic levels, school shooting incidents appear to be decreasing from a peak in 2023.

This story will be updated as more information becomes available.