The teenager who attacked Silver Rail Elementary School in Bend used a pump-action shotgun purchased by his mother, according to The Associated Press. AP attributed the information to a law enforcement official briefed on the investigation. The official spoke anonymously because they were not authorized to discuss the case publicly.
The report leaves important questions unanswered. It does not establish how the teenager obtained the firearm, where it had been stored or whether his mother knew he had taken it. A purchase alone does not establish that she provided the weapon for the attack or knew what he intended to do. Coverage of the AP report by IBTimes likewise notes that police had not publicly explained how the gun came into his possession.
For readers catching up, our earlier report on the four reported deaths reflected the uncertainty of Thursday afternoon, when it was not clear whether that count included the gunman. Police later clarified that three children, ages 5, 8 and 11, and a teacher were killed. A 7-year-old child and a 54-year-old teacher were hospitalized with critical injuries, according to ABC News’ updated coverage. The 16-year-old suspect also died, separately from the four victims.
The emergency began outside the school at 61530 SE Stone Creek Lane shortly before 1 p.m. on October 15. According to the Bend Police Department’s initial incident release, the first call came at approximately 12:59 p.m. and reported someone firing into a car. Within the next minute, dispatchers received calls describing gunfire inside the school, and officers arrived at 1:02 p.m. Our initial coverage of the police response documented the early warning to avoid the area and the arrangements for families to reunite.
As we detailed in our subsequent coverage of the citizen who stopped the attacker, a community member followed the gunman into the building and fatally shot him. Chief Mike Krantz confirmed the intervention at Thursday evening’s briefing, according to ABC News. The person’s identity was not established in the reporting reviewed for this article. Their intervention remains a central part of the account of how the attack ended.
Students were evacuated from classrooms and transported to Journey Church to reunite with their families, Bend Police said. Bend-La Pine Schools canceled Friday classes, activities and athletic events across the district, according to ABC News. Superintendent Steven Cook said the district’s immediate priorities included caring for students and staff and assisting emergency responders. As the investigation continues, our hearts remain with the families mourning loved ones, those waiting for news of the injured and the entire Silver Rail community.
