Multiple people are believed to have died in a shooting at an elementary school in Bend, Oregon, on Thursday afternoon, according to a federal law enforcement source who spoke to Our News Outlet.
The suspected gunman was killed at Silver Rail Elementary School after the attack, which also left several people injured, including children, sources told CBS News.
Police began receiving reports of gunfire directed at a vehicle near the school at approximately 12:59 p.m. One minute later, the department issued an alert directing officers to respond to a critical incident.
At the same time, dispatchers were taking a number of 911 calls from inside the elementary school.
Officers reached the school by 1:02 p.m., and the lone shooter was killed shortly afterward. Authorities have not confirmed who fired the shot that struck the suspect, although officers said during a news conference that a bystander may have intervened.
At least two people were taken to a nearby hospital following the shooting. Their conditions have not been released.
Police urged residents to stay away from the area while the school remained under lockdown. A large group of worried parents gathered outside after learning about the incident.
FBI agents from the Portland field office were dispatched to assist local investigators, Kash Patel said.
“We will make every resource they need available,” Patel wrote on X.
Police responded Thursday to Silver Rail Elementary School in Bend, Oregon, following reports of a shooting
Police said at least two people were taken to a local hospital after the shooting
The Bend Police Department said on social media that officers were at the school and advised the public to avoid the area
At least one class had reportedly been dismissed, while authorities established a reunification center for parents at nearby Journey Church, according to the Bend Bulletin.
U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley said his office was closely 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 also asked the public to pray for the children at Silver Rail Elementary School in Bend.
“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 moved through the building and evacuated classrooms one at a time, said Sheila Miller, communications manager for the Bend Police Department.
Bystanders gathered outside the elementary school on Thursday following reports of an active shooter
Parents were asked to head to an off-site reunification center to meet with their children
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.
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