16-year-old kills 3 children, teacher at Oregon elementary school; attacker shot dead

Bend: A teenage gunman killed three children and a teacher at an elementary school in the US state of Oregon before being shot dead inside the building, police said on Thursday.

The attack took place at Silver Rail Elementary School in Bend, where a 16-year-old reportedly forced entry by firing at locked doors. Three children, aged five, eight and 11, were killed in the shooting, while a seven-year-old and a 54-year-old teacher were critically injured and rushed to hospital.

Bend Police Chief Mike Krantz said the suspect was found dead inside the school within minutes of the first emergency call. According to officials, a person present at the scene chased the gunman into the school and shot him.

The first call to emergency services was made shortly before 1 p.m. by a person sitting in a vehicle outside the school, who said they had been shot at by an armed man. More calls followed from inside the campus as the shooting continued.

Police spokesperson Sheila Miller said officers reached the school within minutes and that the attacker was shot soon after their arrival. Authorities said they had not yet established whether the gunman had any connection with the school or knew any of those present.

A law enforcement official, speaking to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity, said the attacker used a pump-action shotgun that had been purchased by his mother.

Silver Rail Elementary School, located over 160 km southeast of Portland, serves children from kindergarten to fifth grade and had 459 students enrolled last year, according to the Oregon Department of Education.

Authorities began reuniting children with their parents on Thursday evening as the investigation continued.

Oregon Governor Tina Kotek said she was deeply shaken by the incident and praised the civilian who intervened to stop the gunman.

“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,” she said at a news conference.

(Inputs from AP)