Gunman forces way into Oregon school

A sixteen year old shot at locked doors to force his way into Silver Rail Elementary School in Bend on Thursday afternoon, Bend Police Chief Mike Krantz confirmed. Three children and a teacher were killed.

Bystander stops the attacker

A community member pursued the gunman into the school and shot him dead, Krantz said. Police arrived three minutes later and confirmed the attacker had been killed.

Victims identified by age

The three children killed were aged five, eight and eleven.A seven year old and a fifty four year old teacher were taken to hospital in critical condition.

How the attack unfolded

Police were alerted to an active shooter at twelve fifty nine local time.The first call reported an unknown suspect shooting into a car with a long gun.

Governor praises the bystander

Oregon Governor Tina Kotek praised the bystander who heroically intervened to stop further loss of life. She told a media briefing that his actions carry a heavy emotional burden and her thoughts are with him.

“Your actions carry a heavy emotional burden and I just want you to know that my thoughts are with you as well”

Teacher describes keeping children calm

Teacher Kathy Sheil Smith told CNN affiliate KPTV she tried to keep children calm after spotting the gunman.

“The looks on their faces was really hard to see”

School closures and community response

Schools in Bend will be closed on Friday as the community needs time to heal.Around four hundred fifty children attend Silver Rail Elementary School, which has more than forty adult staff members.

School shooting statistics and gun laws

According to the K twelve School Shooting Database, there were two hundred thirty five shooting incidents at American schools last year and at least one hundred forty so far this year.