Three children and one adult were killed in a shooting at Silver Rail Elementary School in Bend, Oregon, on Thursday, Oct. 15, 2026, according to federal law enforcement sources cited by Fox News. The suspected gunman was also dead. Police said they had not established who shot the suspect, and that a bystander may have been responsible.
Bend Police Department communications manager Sheila Miller said at a briefing that investigators were still working to determine how the suspect died. Officers searched the school room by room while evacuating people. Miller said dispatchers received the first call at about 12:59 p.m., initially reporting a shot fired into a car. Police were alerted at 1 p.m. and arrived at approximately 1:02 p.m. Within seconds of their arrival, officers heard over the radio that the suspect was down. Dispatchers also received multiple calls reporting an active shooter at the school.
Bend Fire medics took at least two people to St. Charles hospital. Their conditions were not available in the information provided by police. Authorities urged the public to stay away from the school area while the response and investigation continued. Families were directed to reunite at Journey Church, located at 61303 S. Highway 97.
Hundreds of officers and other law enforcement personnel from agencies across Central Oregon responded. The FBI’s Portland field office said its agents were assisting local authorities and that it would provide resources requested by investigators.
Silver Rail Elementary is part of the Bend-La Pine school district and serves students in kindergarten through fifth grade. Police estimated the school currently has between 400 and 450 students and more than 40 staff members. School data for the 2024-2025 year listed 459 students and roughly 30 teaching staff. The information available did not establish how many students or employees were on campus when the shooting occurred.
District Superintendent Steven Cook said the school system was “stunned and heartbroken” and expressed sympathy for those affected. He said the district’s immediate priorities were supporting students and staff and helping law enforcement and emergency responders. Police also voiced support for the school community.
Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek said she was monitoring the situation and thanked first responders. Democratic Sen. Jeff Merkley said he and his team were following reports and expressed support for the Bend community and affected families. Democratic Rep. Janelle Bynum, whose district includes Bend, described the shooting as a parent’s worst fear and said children should not have to take cover from gunfire at school.
The source material did not identify the suspected gunman or establish a motive. Police had not publicly confirmed who shot the suspect, and the circumstances remained under investigation at the time of the report.
