A shooting at Silver Rail Elementary School in Bend, Oregon, killed three children and a teacher on Thursday afternoon. Authorities identified the 16-year-old suspect as John J. Griffin II, according to The Washington Post. Investigators believe he used a shotgun reportedly purchased by his mother. A civilian fatally shot the teenager before police could confront him.
Read More: Oregon elementary school shooting leaves four dead
Griffin allegedly entered the school after shooting through its locked doors. The victims included children aged five, eight and 11, along with a teacher. Another seven-year-old student and a 54-year-old teacher suffered critical injuries. Authorities have not yet established why the teenager targeted the school or whether he had any previous connection to it.
The incident began shortly before 1pm, when a driver reported being shot at by someone carrying a long gun. Police soon received several emergency calls reporting an armed person inside the school. A community member who saw Griffin enter the building followed him inside and fatally shot him, according to the report.
Bend Police Chief Mike Krantz said officers arrived at approximately 1:02pm and confirmed that the suspect was dead. The armed civilian intervened before officers could confront Griffin. Investigators are continuing to examine the circumstances surrounding the attack, including the weapon’s reported purchase and the suspect’s possible motive.
Read More: SC rejects bail plea of madrassa student abuse suspect
Oregon Governor Tina Kotek praised the civilian for intervening during the shooting. The attack has raised renewed concerns about school safety and access to firearms. However, investigators have not released a confirmed motive for the violence. Authorities are expected to continue gathering evidence to establish what led to the deadly incident and whether any further details explain the suspect’s actions.