Oregon hero praised for rushing into school to stop rampage before death toll grew

Violence at the school

The first call came at approximately 12:59 p.m. Thursday, reporting that someone had fired into a car outside the elementary school. Within the next minute, dispatchers received dozens of calls saying a person had entered the building and opened fire.

By the time officers arrived, a community member had confronted the gunman. Dispatch audio indicated the shooter may have been shot by a father at the school. Police later confirmed the 16-year-old Bend resident was dead.

Officers found four people who had died from their injuries and two others who were hospitalized. The school was evacuated, and a reunification site was set up nearby.

Witness praises intervention

Kathy Smith, a fifth-grade teacher who witnessed the shooter inside the building, told KPTV the person who intervened showed courage and said she was grateful the suspect had been apprehended. Oregon Governor Tina Kotek expressed support for the community member, recognizing the emotional burden of intervening to prevent further loss of life.

Investigation remains ongoing

Authorities have not identified the people who died or disclosed a possible motive. Officials said the investigation continues, and further updates were expected at a press conference Friday afternoon.

Community reacts to shooting

Steven Cook, superintendent of Bend-La Pine Schools, said the district was heartbroken and horrified by the shooting, which he said was the kind of event people hope will not happen in their own community. The violence shook Bend, a city of roughly 100,000 in central Oregon. Senator Ron Wyden called on Republicans to act to curb gun violence.