Details about the shooting that included at least two victims at Silver Rail Elementary School in Bend are still emerging, renewing calls from state, local and national leaders for an end to gun violence. Bend Police responded to the school just after 1pm Oct. 15. The assailant was dead, police said. Two others, an adult and a child, were transported to St. Charles Medical Center in unknown condition. Three children were among the dead.
“I want to start by thanking and praising the quick thinking and courage of the Silver Rail Elementary School staff and parents – and the first responders who rushed to the scene,” Gov. Tina Kotek said at a press conference at Bend City Hall Thursday, where police announced the deaths of three children and one teacher, along with the shooter, in Thursday’s tragedy. “And to the community member who heroically intervened to stop further loss of life, your actions carry a heavy emotional burden – and my thoughts are with you.”
Police said Thursday that a bystander, seeing the shooter entering the school, followed the assailant into the school.
“We are stunned and heartbroken by this senseless tragedy,” Bend-La Pine Schools Superintendent Steven Cook wrote in a press release. “We extend our deepest sympathy to the families and to everyone affected by this violence. No words can adequately express the grief our community is experiencing. Our immediate priorities are caring for our students and staff and assisting law enforcement and emergency responders.”
“They’re killing our babies. Shredding our kids with lead. Forcing us to live in fear,” wrote Rep. Janelle Bynum, (D, OR-5) in a press release Thursday afternoon. “I feel this deep, deep, deep in my soul. Our whole community does. Our whole state does. And the whole nation should. Our babies are supposed to do arts and crafts at school, not use their desks as cover from gunfire. They’re supposed to make friends, not mourn them. This is every parent’s worst fear. My heart and my prayers and everything else I got is with the families at Silver Rail Elementary. When will it end?” Bynum, who’s running for re-election in Oregon’s Congressional District 5, announced a pause on campaign activity Thursday due to the shooting.
“My heart goes out to the innocent victims of today’s horrific shooting at Silver Rail Elementary School and their loved ones now facing the awful consequences of yet another school shooting in America,” wrote Sen. Ron Wyden, (D-OR) in a press release. “The best way to honor these victims is to at long last pass common-sense gun laws that reduce the risks of more children, parents, teachers and staff forced to live in fear of similar nightmares for their schools.”
“My heart is shattered for the families, students, and victims of today’s horrific shooting at Silver Rail Elementary School in Bend, Oregon,” wrote Deschutes County Commissioner and CD-5 candidate Patti Adair in a press release. “I am praying for everyone impacted. No words can fully express the pain our community is feeling right now. I am temporarily suspending all campaign events to stand with those grieving and offer whatever support I can.”
“The senseless violence against our children today is heartbreaking. My commitment is to the families, students and teachers as we learn details of today’s horrific event. I’m grateful to every first responder who stepped in with urgency to protect our community. May the weight of God sit heavy with any soul who justifies this evil deed,” said Oregon Rep. Vicki Breese Iverson (R-OR59).
Leadership with the Oregon Education Association, the statewide teacher’s union, traveled to Bend Thursday afternoon to help support teachers.
“It’s just unthinkable,” Oregon Education Association President Enrique Farrera told the Source from the parking lot of the reunification center at Journey Church. “We don’t think that this could happen. Unfortunately it happens here, it could happen anywhere.”
“There needs to be a serious conversation, an adult conversation about safety in schools,” Farrera said. “When that conversation happens, educators need to be at the table, they need to be included.”
“As a father and a neighbor, I grieve and pray for the families who face devastating loss today. Knowing that children and an educator had their lives cut short by violence, in a place that should be safe and full of vitality, troubles the soul of every good human being,” said Sen. Anthony Broadman (D-Bend). “Oregonians in all corners of the state will wrap this community in love and support.”
“Central Oregon is devastated. We are grieving. We are horrified by the senseless violence,” said Sen. Mike McLane (R-Powell Butte). “Our hearts are with the Silver Rail Elementary community and Bend.”
“We know what a very difficult time this is for our community – we are thinking of the families and friends of Silver Rail Elementary and everyone in Bend and beyond who are affected by this terrible tragedy,” Bend Police wrote in a press release.
—This story will be updated as new information comes in.
This article appears in the Source October 22, 2026.
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This is heartbreaking. Schools should be places where children feel safe, not places where families have to fear for their lives. My deepest condolences go out to the families, students, teachers, and everyone in the Bend community. I hope the victims and their loved ones receive all the support they need during this incredibly difficult time.