3 Children, Teacher Killed as Teen Opens Fire at US School; Gunman Shot Dead by Citizen

New Update

A 16-year-old gunman opened fire at Silver Rail Elementary School in Bend, Oregon, on Thursday, killing three children and a teacher before being shot dead by a community member who confronted him. Two others, including a child and a teacher, were injured in the attack.

The shooting occurred around 1 pm local time, triggering a major emergency response. The victims included children aged five, eight and 11, while a seven-year-old child and another teacher were injured and taken to hospital. Their conditions were not immediately known.

According to reports, the first emergency call reported gunfire targeting a car near the school. Authorities subsequently received multiple calls about a shooter inside the school.

Police officers arrived within seconds and found the teenager dead from a gunshot wound. Police Chief Mike Krantz said a community member had followed the gunman into the school and engaged him in gunfire before officers arrived.

The school was placed under lockdown, while a nearby church was designated as a reunification centre for students and their families. All Bend-La Pine Schools were ordered to remain closed on Friday.

Oregon Governor Tina Kotek expressed grief over the shooting and called on residents to support those affected by the tragedy.

"As we learn more about the tragic event at Silver Rail Elementary in Bend today, we must come together and support each other, neighbour to neighbour, Oregonian to Oregonian," Kotek said in a statement. "No community should have to live through this day."

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is assisting local authorities with the probe. Oregon Governor Tina Kotek expressed grief over the incident and urged residents to support those affected.

Further details are under investigation.

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