Three kids, 1 teacher killed by crazed teen gunman at Oregon elementary school — before hero bystander takes down shooter

Three children and a teacher at an Oregon elementary school were slaughtered by a crazed teen gunman – whose Thursday massacre was cut short by a hero bystander, police said. 

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The 16-year-old suspect unleashed hell at Silver Rail Elementary School in Bend before a brave, armed community member chased him inside and shot him dead, authorities said. 

The rampage began at around 1 p.m. when the bloodthirsty teen started shooting at somebody parked in a car using a long gun, prompting the first of many panicked 911 calls, authorities said. 

The twisted teen then barged into the school after firing away at locked doors.

Inside, he continued opening fire, killing three students – ages 5, 8, and 11 – and a teacher,  Bend Police Department Chief Mike Krantz said at a Thursday evening press conference. 

Another child, 7, and a 54-year-old teacher were hospitalized in critical condition, cops said.

Hundreds of first responders rushed to the school minutes after a report of shots being fired, police spokesperson Sheila Miller told reporters. 

Soon after police arrived, they confirmed the suspect – a Bend resident –  was dead and quickly rendered aid to the victims and evacuated the school that has about 400 to 450 students. 

Mindy Corely, the aunt of a fifth-grade Silver Rail Elementary School student, told NBC News her nephew was “very scared” after Thursday’s shooting. 

The student had been brought to a reunification location but was still waiting to be reunited with his parents, Corely told the outlet. 

“He was clearly very, very scared and wanted to go home,” she said of a phone call the boy made to his mother to let her know he was OK.

All of Bend-La Pine district schools and activities will be canceled on Friday, and crisis counseling will be available for those affected by the tragedy, Bend-La Pine Schools Superintendent Steve Cook said at the press conference. 

A packed vigil gathered with candles for the victims of the deadly shooting at Drake Park in Bend, a city roughly three and a half hours from Portland, Thursday night, KTVZ reported.

Bend Mayor Melanie Kebler told the group of mourners: “this is a day that every mayor dreads.”

“This is a dark day. An awful day and a day that will impact so many of us, so, so deeply,” said Kebler, whose daughter attends another elementary school in town.

“There are simply no words for the loss that we have suffered today,” she added.

Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek also offered her condolences at the emotional vigil and assured the Bend community that her “office in the state will be here for whatever you need in the days ahead.”

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“No parent, no family, no community, should have to have this kind of day,” Kotek said.

Kotek said she visited Silver Rail last year and is “going to remember all the conversations I had with parents when I visited and talked with them over the phone.”

“And what I know is that there is joy in this community, and we are hurting right now. And my heart is breaking for all of you,” the governor added.

Investigators are continuing to probe a motive in the shooting and expect to provide more updates on Friday.

“My team and I are closely monitoring reports of an active shooter situation at Silver Rail Elementary School in Bend. As details continue to come out, my heart is with the Bend community and all of the students and families affected. No one should have to fear violence at school,” Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-OR) wrote on X.

Bend police officers had just gone through active shooter training at a local high school in August, Krantz said. 

“This is something we never want to happen anywhere, but especially in our beautiful community here in Bend. There are not really any words I can say to any of you that will make this better,” Krantz said. “But please know that we are working hard to ensure that we conduct a thorough investigation.”

Bend Mayor Melanie Keebler also told reporters that she was “struggling to make sense” of the loss. 

“Today is an awful day for our community. Our hearts are broken, as we mourn for this tragedy, and the profound impact it has had on so many people, especially the children, families, educators, and school staff. Lives have been forever changes,” Keebler said. 

Kotek also praised the heroic bystander who gunned down the shooter, saving more lives from being lost. 

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“I want to start by thanking and praising the quick thinking and courage of the Silver Rail Elementary School staff and parents, first responders who rushed to the scene this afternoon,” Kotek said at the news conference.

“And to the community member who heroically intervened to stop further loss of life: Your actions carry a heavy emotional burden, and I just want you to know that my thoughts are with you as well,” she said.

“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.”

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