At least four people, including three children, were killed in a shooting at Silver Rail Elementary School in Bend, Oregon, on Thursday. Authorities confirmed the shooter was also killed during the incident, though details about the circumstances remain scarce.

The shooting occurred in the northwestern US city of Bend, approximately 160 km (100 miles) southeast of Portland. The attack sent shockwaves through the community, with local officials expressing devastation.

Sheila Miller, communications manager for the Bend Police Department, stated that authorities responded to a call about a shot fired into a car outside the school at 12:59 pm local time. Responding officers arrived within minutes, and the suspect was killed shortly thereafter. Miller noted it was unclear whether police gunfire or a bystander subdued the assailant.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) confirmed its presence at the scene, with Director Kash Patel stating on social media that the agency was providing all necessary resources to assist local law enforcement in the ongoing investigation. Oregon Governor Tina Kotek indicated she was closely monitoring the situation.

US Senator Jeff Merkley, who represents Oregon, offered his condolences, writing on social media platform X, "My heart is with the Bend community and all of the students and families affected. No one should have to fear violence at school." The number of individuals injured and their conditions were not immediately known.

The incident at Silver Rail Elementary adds to a series of tragic school shootings that have impacted the United States. While the investigation into the motive and specific sequence of events is still underway, the event has renewed calls for action on gun violence.

Local authorities described the scene as devastating, emphasizing that such violence is unprecedented for the city of Bend. The process of evacuating individuals from the school was ongoing as law enforcement secured the premises and began their detailed investigation.

Further details regarding the identities of the victims, the shooter, and the precise timeline of events are expected as the investigation progresses. The FBI's involvement suggests a comprehensive approach to understanding the full scope of the tragedy.