A gunman opened fire Thursday afternoon at Silver Rail Elementary School in Bend, Oregon, according to Bend Police. Authorities say the man first fired a gun into a car near the school around 1 p.m., then entered the building and began shooting. At least two people were hospitalized, and children were among the injured, though officials have not released their conditions.
The suspect was shot and killed inside the school. Investigators have not yet determined whether a bystander or a police officer fired the fatal shot, a question that will likely shape the ongoing coverage. Families were directed to reunite at Journey Church near Highway 97 and Goodwill, and police asked the public to avoid the area while the investigation continues. Bend-La Pine Schools Superintendent Steven Cook said the district is stunned and heartbroken by what he called a senseless tragedy, and Senator Ron Wyden released a statement saying his heart goes out to the victims and their loved ones.
For those of us here on the Suncoast, this story hits the same nerve it hits everywhere. The school pickup line, the bus stop, the text that says I’m okay. We’ll continue following this story as more details come out of Bend. What do you think schools in our area could do to be better prepared for an emergency like this?
