A community member reportedly followed an armed teenager into Silver Rail Elementary in Bend, Oregon, after seeing him enter the school, and confronted the shooter before police arrived.
BEND, Ore. — The bystander who pursued and fatally shot an elementary school gunman Thursday is being hailed for helping prevent further bloodshed in the Bend community.
Authorities said the community member saw the 16-year-old enter Silver Rail Elementary with a weapon Thursday afternoon, then followed him inside and killed him.
Police reached the school within minutes of the shooting, which was reported shortly before 1 p.m. PT, Bend Police Chief Mike Krantz said. Officers found the suspect dead inside the building. Krantz identified him as a 16-year-old Bend resident.
The attack killed three children, ages 5, 8 and 11, along with a teacher. A fourth child, age 7, and a 54-year-old teacher were wounded and transported to a hospital in critical condition, Krantz said.
Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek expressed profound grief during a Thursday night news conference and thanked the bystander who intervened.
CONTINUE READING: Trump Press Secretary Katie Zacharia Suggests She Regrets Taking Questions
“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,” Kotek said.
Authorities have not released the community member’s name or any additional details about them.
“All Oregonians mourn this loss today,” Kotek said. “This is a horrible day. No parent should have to have this kind of day. And no community should have to live through this kind of day.”
Bend is located in Central Oregon, roughly 150 miles southeast of Portland, the state’s largest city. Silver Rail Elementary sits on the southeastern side of Bend.
The school enrolled 459 students as of last year, according to the Oregon Department of Education, and serves children from kindergarten through fifth grade.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
