Disturbing new details emerged Thursday about a deadly shooting at an Oregon elementary school, including the suspected gunman’s age.
The shooting at Silver Rail Elementary School in Bend left multiple people dead, including children, as investigators worked to piece together what happened.
Here are five major developments in the unfolding tragedy.
First, the suspected shooter was reportedly just 16 years old, according to CNN. Authorities have not publicly identified the teenager or established a motive.
Second, senior Justice Department officials are receiving briefings on the shooting, according to MeidasTouch chief Washington correspondent Scott MacFarlane, who cited a DOJ source. FBI Director Kash Patel also confirmed that federal agents were on the scene and assisting local investigators.
Third, the death toll remains uncertain. CNN initially reported four victims killed, including three children, while The Associated Press subsequently reported at least five deaths, citing two law enforcement officials.
Fourth, an armed bystander may have stopped the gunman, according to media reports. Authorities are investigating whether someone other than police fatally shot the suspect, CNN chief law enforcement and intelligence analyst John Miller reported Thursday.
Finally, police responded to the unfolding violence within just two minutes of the initial alert. According to Miller, police were alerted around 1 p.m. and arrived within two minutes.
“What that tells us is this was a very rapidly unfolding incident,” Miller said.
Authorities were also investigating reports that the shooting began outside the school before moving inside.
.@FBIPortland is on the scene and assisting our local partners in the investigation regarding an earlier shooting at a local school. We will make every resource they need available.
— FBI Director Kash Patel (@FBIDirectorKash) October 15, 2026