Three Children and an Adult Reportedly Killed in Oregon Elementary School Shooting

Fatality reports remained preliminary

The fatality count remained preliminary. The Associated Press, citing two law enforcement officials who spoke anonymously, reported that authorities believed at least five people had died, but said it was unclear whether that figure included the shooter. The officials cautioned that the count could change.

Emergency calls began just before 1 p.m.

The emergency began just before 1 p.m. Pacific time with a report of gunfire directed at a vehicle outside the school. Within about a minute, dispatchers were receiving multiple 911 calls from inside the building, Bend police spokesperson Sheila Miller said during a briefing, according to ABC News.

A police statement reproduced by KTVZ placed the first call at 12:59 p.m. and officers’ arrival at 1:02 p.m. Seconds later, officers reported that the suspect had been shot and killed. The statement said a bystander may have fired the shot, but did not confirm who killed the suspect.

Police said at least two people were transported to St. Charles Bend. Their conditions were unknown in the department’s statement.

Families reunited as Friday activities were canceled

Officers began evacuating classrooms, and district buses transported students to Journey Church for reunification with their families. Police asked the public to avoid the school area as emergency crews worked.

Bend-La Pine Schools canceled classes, events and athletic activities for Friday, October 16, according to People’s reporting on the district’s announcement.

Superintendent Steven Cook described the district as “stunned and heartbroken by this senseless tragedy” in a statement carried by KTVZ. He said the immediate priorities were caring for students and staff and assisting emergency responders.

Silver Rail serves children from kindergarten through fifth grade. Police said the school has approximately 450 students and 40 staff members, according to Reuters.

The reported death toll remains subject to confirmation. Details may change as authorities release further information.