Multiple people are believed to have been killed in a shooting at Silver Rail Elementary School in Bend, Oregon, after police responded to reports of gunfire on Thursday afternoon.
Bend police said they received a call at 12.59pm about shots being fired into a vehicle near the school. A critical-scene alert was issued a minute later, while emergency dispatchers continued to receive 911 calls from inside the building.
Officers arrived at about 1.02pm. Moments later, the suspected shooter was killed, although it was not immediately clear who shot them.
Police suggested at a news conference that the suspect may have been taken down by a bystander. The circumstances remain unclear.
At least two people were taken to a local hospital following the incident. Their conditions were not known.
The school remained under lockdown and police urged members of the public to stay away from the area. At least one class had reportedly been released.
A reunification centre was set up at the nearby Journey Church for parents seeking to meet their children.
US Senator Jeff Merkley said his team was monitoring the situation and expressed sympathy for those affected.
“As details continue to come out, my heart is with the Bend community and all of the students and families affected,” he said. “No one should have to fear violence at school.”
Senator Chris McDaniel asked people to pray for the children, teachers, parents, police officers and other first responders involved.
“We don’t yet know the full story, but somewhere tonight, mothers and fathers just want to hold their babies,” he said. “Lord, protect those children. Bring them home safely.”
