Five people are believed dead following a shooting at Silver Rail Elementary School in Bend, Oregon, according to law enforcement officials cited by the Associated Press. Earlier reports put the death toll at four, including one adult and three children. It is not yet known whether the updated count includes the shooter.
Police say the call came in just before 1 p.m. reporting someone firing a gun into a car near the school, and within minutes additional callers reported a shooter inside the building. Officers arrived to find the suspect shot and killed inside the school. CNN has identified the suspect as a 16-year-old male. It remains unclear whether he was stopped by a school employee or by a police officer. At least two people were hospitalized, including children, and the reunification site for families was set up at Journey Church in Bend.
Bend-La Pine Schools Superintendent Steven Cook said the district is “stunned and heartbroken by this senseless tragedy,” adding that their immediate priorities are caring for students and staff and assisting first responders. This is a developing story, and confirmed details may change. For families here on the Suncoast, events like this often raise questions about school safety and how to talk with children about frightening news. How do you approach those conversations in your household?
