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Authorities believe at least five people are dead following a shooting at an elementary school in Bend, Oregon on Thursday, according to two law enforcement officials with knowledge of the case.
The officials spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss it publicly. Both said the death toll was preliminary and could change.
The suspected shooter was shot and killed in the school — Silver Rail Elementary School in Bend — possibly by a bystander, authorities said earlier.
Authorities believe at least five people are dead following a shooting at an elementary school in Oregon, law enforcement officials tell the AP.
Police initially received a call right before 1 p.m. PT Thursday about a shot fired into a car outside the school, according to Bend Police Department spokesperson Sheila Miller.
“Within about a minute, we were receiving multiple 911 calls from within the school,” Miller said at a press briefing.
The 911 callers reported that a person had entered the school and started shooting, police said.
Officers arrived on the scene minutes later and within seconds the suspect was down, Miller said. It is unclear who shot the suspect, she said.
There are multiple victims in the shooting, including children, Miller said. At least two victims were transported to an area hospital in unknown condition, she said.
Law enforcement was evacuating the school room by room. A reunification site for families has been set up at a nearby church.
The shooting sparked a large police presence.
“Everything they were doing seemed highly trained and highly prepared for this,” Caleb Weis, who was riding his motorcycle near the school at the time, told News.
“I didn’t see as many phones out recording as you see on many other occasions, just a kind of a shock factor and an immense amount of respect for the law enforcement, first responders,” he said.
FBI Director Kash Patel said the agency is on the scene assisting in the investigation.
Agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives are also en route to the school, according to a source.
Bend-La Pine Schools Superintendent Steven Cook said they are “stunned and heartbroken by this senseless tragedy.”
“No words can adequately express the grief our community is experiencing,” he said in a statement. “Our immediate priorities are caring for our students and staff and assisting law enforcement and emergency responders.”
Classes, activities and athletic events at all Bend-La Pine Schools are canceled for Friday.
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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