By Zoila Palma: A 16-year-old boy killed three children and a teacher during a shooting at Silver Rail Elementary School in Bend, Oregon, on Thursday afternoon before being shot dead by a community member, police said.
The children killed were aged five, eight and 11, while a seven-year-old child and a 54-year-old teacher were hospitalized in critical condition, BBC reports.
Bend Police Chief Mike Krantz said the suspect forced his way into the school by shooting at locked doors. Authorities received the first report of an active shooter at approximately 12:59 p.m. local time, with police later confirming that a community member had pursued and confronted the teenager inside the school.
Officers arrived approximately three minutes later and confirmed that the suspect had been killed.
Oregon Governor Tina Kotek praised the individual who intervened, saying the person had “heroically intervened” to prevent further loss of life. Authorities have not released the suspect’s identity or established whether he had any connection to the school. The motive for the shooting also remains unclear.
The tragedy left the local community devastated, with hundreds gathering for a candlelight vigil at Drake Park on Thursday evening to share prayers and songs in memory of the victims.
Flowers and candles were placed at the gathering, while messages including “never again” were written in chalk.
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