The parents of one of three children fatally shot at an Oregon elementary school last week have hired attorneys to investigate the school's safety protocols and the circumstances surrounding the teenage gunman's acquisition of the weapon used in the attack. Rhoam Summer, 5, was among the three children and one teacher killed in the Thursday shooting at Silver Rail Elementary School in Bend.

The attorneys announced their investigation on Saturday, stating their focus will include whether the school had an active shooter protocol in place and how the 16-year-old gunman obtained the 12-gauge pump-action shotgun. Bend-La Pine Schools Superintendent Steven Cook stated on Friday that the district has made significant investments in security measures, including cameras, door locks, and fencing. He also confirmed that lockdown drills are conducted twice annually at all schools. Cook assured that the district would "take a hard look at everything that we have done, and what more needs to be done" to enhance school safety.

Kelik and Lillian Summer, Rhoam's parents, initially engaged attorneys on Friday to manage media inquiries. They released a statement remembering their son as a strong, kind child with a passion for rainbows, unicorns, sharks, and dinosaurs. The statement highlighted his young age and unfulfilled dreams, including learning to ride horses and dressing as a bunny for Halloween.

Attorneys are particularly interested in how the minor shooter obtained the firearm. A law enforcement official, who spoke anonymously, indicated to The Associated Press that the shooter's mother purchased the gun. Attorneys are examining whether the mother was legally qualified to own a firearm and if the dealer was aware the weapon was intended for a minor. Under Oregon law, minors can possess shotguns if provided by a parent or with parental consent.

The shooter's mother, Shauntai Nickerson, has not yet responded to requests for comment. Earlier, she reportedly told some reporters that she wished she could have prevented the shooting.

The investigation aims to provide clarity for the grieving parents on the events leading up to the tragedy and to identify potential areas for improved safety measures within schools. The attorneys are expected to scrutinize school policies, emergency preparedness, and the legalities surrounding the firearm's purchase.

This probe comes as the community grapples with the loss of young lives and seeks answers regarding the security failures, if any, that may have contributed to the incident. The school district has pledged full cooperation with any official investigations.

The legal team's work will involve reviewing school records, interviewing relevant personnel, and analyzing law enforcement reports to build a comprehensive understanding of the events and determine potential avenues for accountability and future prevention.