A deadly shooting at Silver Rail Elementary School in Bend, Oregon, has left three children and a teacher dead.
The victims were aged 5, 8 and 11, while two other people remain in critical condition. They include a 7-year-old child and a 54-year-old teacher.
The 16-year-old suspect was also found dead inside the school after a community member reportedly confronted and shot him, police said.
Police Chief Mike Krantz said the first emergency call came at 12:59 p.m. on Thursday.
A motorist reported being shot at several times by someone carrying a long gun. Dispatchers then received further reports that the suspect had entered the school.
“Over the next several minutes,” more calls came in about the unfolding emergency.
Police ordered a lockdown at 1:01 p.m., and the first officers arrived one minute later. Officers subsequently reported that the suspect was down.
Police entered the building, confirmed the suspect’s death and searched classrooms. They also provided emergency assistance to the victims.
Two critically injured victims were taken to St. Charles Medical Center for treatment.
Authorities evacuated students by bus to Journey Church, where families could reunite with them.
Bend-La Pine Schools Superintendent Steven Cook said the district was “stunned and heartbroken” by the shooting.
He added that its immediate priorities were “caring for students and staff and helping emergency responders.”
The school district announced that all schools, activities and athletic events would be cancelled on Friday.
The FBI, Oregon State Police and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives assisted local authorities with the investigation.
Police have not provided further details about what led to the attack, the circumstances surrounding the community member’s reported confrontation with the suspect also remain under investigation.
The Oregon elementary school shooting has left families and the wider community facing a devastating loss.
Authorities continue to investigate the incident as the community responds to the deaths and supports those affected.
