Daijiworld Media Network - Oregon

Oregon, Oct 16: At least five people, including three children aged 5, 8 and 11, and a teacher, were killed in a shooting at Silver Rail Elementary School in Bend, Oregon, in the United States, local law enforcement authorities said on Thursday.

Police received a call around 1 pm local time about a man shooting into a car. Multiple emergency calls followed, prompting officers to rush to the scene. The situation was brought under control within minutes.

Bend Police communications manager Sheila Miller said a seven-year-old child and a 54-year-old teacher were also injured in the incident. Both were taken to hospital and reported to be in critical condition.

Authorities identified the suspected shooter as a 16-year-old boy who was shot dead. His identity has not been released.

Investigators are examining the type of weapon used, the number of rounds fired and the motive behind the attack. They are also trying to establish whether the suspect had any connection with the school.

Bend Police chief Mike Krantz said an officer reported that a community member had seen the suspect enter the school, followed him inside and confronted him. The suspect was subsequently shot.

Following the incident, the school was closed and students and teachers were evacuated. Authorities urged the public to avoid the area.

Bend-La Pine Superintendent Steven Cook described the incident as an unthinkable tragedy, saying the community was struggling to cope with the situation.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has joined the investigation to assist local authorities. FBI director Kash Patel said the agency's Portland office was at the scene and would provide the necessary resources to support the probe.

Further details are expected as the investigation progresses.