In an armed attack at Silver Rail Elementary School in Bend, Oregon, in the United States, 3 children and 1 teacher lost their lives. Authorities reported that a 7-year-old child and a 54-year-old teacher were also taken to the hospital with serious injuries.
According to police statements, the children who lost their lives were 5, 8, and 11 years old. Following the attack at the school, which serves more than 400 students, the students were taken by bus to a nearby church, where they were reunited with their families.
ATTACKER DIED AT THE SCENE
The Bend Police Department announced that the suspect was a 16-year-old resident of Bend and that he died at the scene. Police stated that the attacker, who was carrying a long-barreled weapon, entered the school building by firing at locked doors.
According to officials, the attacker was shot and neutralized by a local resident who saw him enter the school and followed him into the building. While the identity of this individual has not been disclosed, it was stated that it has not yet been confirmed whether the suspect had any connection to the school.
Bend Police Chief Mike Krantz stated in a press conference that the investigation is ongoing, saying, "There are no words I can say to any of you that can fix this. But please know that we are working hard to conduct a thorough investigation."
Krantz described the attack as a tragedy that "we would not want to see happen anywhere," and said that authorities would share more details on Friday afternoon.
Bend-La Pine Schools Superintendent Steven Cook announced that all classes and school activities across the district were canceled for Friday. Stating that crisis counselors would be assigned for students and the public, Cook said, "Our hearts are broken. We are devastated."
It was reported that a memorial event was held in the city of Bend on Thursday night following the attack.
News Source: 12punto
