Teen gunman used shotgun purchased by mother to kill three children and teacher inside Oregon elementary school

The teenage gunman who opened fire on an Oregon elementary school used a shotgun bought by his mother to kill four people, including three children, police revealed. 

Shots were fired at Silver Rail Elementary School at around 12.59pm when a 16-year-old gunman armed himself with a pump-action shotgun police say was purchased by his mom.

A law enforcement official briefed on the shooting told The Associated Press the teen used a pump-action shotgun that was purchased by his mother. 

‘We are stunned and heartbroken by this senseless tragedy,’ Steven Cook, the Bend-La Pine Schools Superintendent, said. 

At least three children, aged five, eight and 11, were confirmed to have died as well as a teacher, Bend Police Chief Mike Krantz said. 

‘This is a terrible tragedy and we are working hard to investigate this incident,’ he added.

Police have not yet revealed the identities of the victims. 

The horror unfolded when a man driving a red Toyota Tacoma pickup truck in the school parking lot spotted the teen carrying a long gun approach the building, according to The Source. 

The driver then confronted the teenager, who in turn fired numerous shots at the civilian and his truck, shattering a rear window and leaving six large bullet holes in the vehicle.

At that point, the assailant allegedly threw his gun over the school fence and hopped over – prompting the driver to call Deschutes County dispatchers at around 12.59pm.

Cops arrived at the scene by 1.02pm and just moments later, the shooter was killed after being pursued by a ‘hero’ community member. 

The unidentified hero was praised by Governor Tina Kotek after gunfire erupted in Silver Rail Elementary School on Thursday afternoon.

‘To the community member who heroically intervened…your actions carry a heavy emotional burden and I want you to know my thoughts are with you as well,’ Kotek said at a press conference. 

They had ran after and ‘engaged’ the shooter shortly after the teen opened fire, according to Bend police Chief Mike Krantz. 

Officers then found the suspect, who had been shot and killed. 

‘Officers at the scene located five people who had succumbed to their injuries, including the suspect,’ Krantz said. 

Paramedics were seen setting up a staging area outside of the school, as a seven-year-old and a 54-year-old teacher were rushed to hospital. Their condition remains unclear. 

A motive for the shooting remains unclear, and authorities would not confirm on Thursday night whether the suspect knew anybody at the school or if he had attended it when he was younger. 

Bend-La Pine Schools Superintendent Dr Steven Cook held back tears as he thanked emergency responders and the schools staff for their efforts to protect students during the attack. 

‘Today, an unthinkable tragedy happened at Silver Rail Elementary School,’ he 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.’

As Cook uttered words to his community, his voice wavered when he thanked the heroic efforts of the school 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.

‘This is 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.’

Cook earlier described the attack as a ‘senseless tragedy.’

Hours after the teen opened fire on the school, community members gathered at Drake Park for a prayer vigil.

The scene lit by candlelight saw families and locals holding each other close as they mourned the loss of three children, aged five, eight and eleven, and a teacher who were gunned down on Thursday.

Pastors led the service as the crowd prayed for those affected by the tragedy and the emergency workers who responded to the scene earlier in the day.

A memorial was set up at the base of a stage at the park, as dozens of chalk writings contained prayers, political statements or simply read, ‘we will miss you,’ according to the New York Times.

A theme seen on social media throughout Thursday afternoon following the violence was echoed at the vigil, with one message reading: ‘Gun control now.’

Bend Mayor Melanie Kebler was heard asking the community to help support each other in the coming future, describing the tragic shooting as a dark day for the city, NBC News reported.

‘There are simply no words for the loss that we have suffered today,’ she said.

‘I am proud of our community for coming together to support one another, because that is what we are going to need right now.’