At least four people, including children, have been killed after a gunman opened fire at an elementary school in Oregon, officials said.
Several victims were taken to hospital after the shooting at Silver Rail Elementary School in Bend on Thursday afternoon. The unidentified suspect was also killed after the gunfire erupted.
Police first received reports at about 12.59pm that shots had been fired at a vehicle near the school. At 1pm, the police department issued an alert calling officers to a critical incident.
At the same time, dispatchers continued receiving multiple 911 calls from inside the school.
Officers reached the scene by 1.02pm, and the lone shooter was killed moments later. It remains unclear who shot the suspect, although officers told a news conference that a bystander may have intervened.
At least two people were taken to a nearby hospital in the aftermath. Their conditions have not been released.
Police urged the public to stay away from the area while the school remained under lockdown. A large crowd of worried parents gathered outside after learning of the shooting.
FBI agents from the bureau’s Portland office were sent to the scene to support local authorities, FBI Director Kash Patel said.
“We will make every resource they need available,” Patel wrote on X.
Police responded to Silver Rail Elementary School in Bend, Oregon, on Thursday.
Police urged the public to avoid the area as the school remained under lockdown and concerned parents gathered outside.
Officials said at least four people, including children, were killed in the shooting.
At least one class had reportedly been released, while officers established a reunification site at nearby Journey Church for parents of students, according to the Bend Bulletin.
US Senator Jeff Merkley said in a statement that his team was monitoring the situation.
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“As details continue to come out, my heart is with the Bend community and all of the students and families affected,” he said. “No one should have to fear violence at school.”
Senator Chris McDaniel asked the public to “please join me in praying for the children at Silver Rail Elementary School in Bend, Oregon.”
“Pray for the teachers trying to protect them, the parents waiting desperately for word and the officers and first responders rushing to help,” he wrote on social media.
“We don’t yet know the full story, but somewhere tonight, mothers and fathers just want to hold their babies,” McDaniel added.
“Lord, protect those children. Bring them home safely.”
A significant law enforcement presence remained at the school as officers evacuated classrooms one at a time, according to Sheila Miller, communications manager for the Bend Police Department.
The Bend Police Department announced on social media that officers responded to the scene of the shooting and asked the public to avoid the area
Bystanders gathered outside the elementary school on Thursday following reports of an active shooter
After being evacuated out of the building, those inside will be taken by bus to a reunification center, officials said.
Bend-La Pine Schools Superintendent Steven Cook expressed his shock and sadness after the shooting.
‘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,’ Cook said in a statement.
This is a breaking news story and will be updated.