5 killed in school shooting in US Oregon state

- Among them were three children and one adult... Police confirm the attacker was killed

The Associated Press reported on Thursday that at least five people were killed in a shooting at Silver Rail Elementary School in Bend, Oregon, citing security officials familiar with the investigation, while police confirmed the attacker was among the dead.

The agency quoted security officials, who requested anonymity, stating that the casualty count is preliminary and subject to change, without clarifying whether the attacker was included among the five fatalities.

U.S. media, citing security sources, reported that three children and one adult were killed in the attack, while initial information indicated the suspect was a teenager aged 15 or 16.

Bend Police Department spokesperson Sheila Miller said during a press conference that authorities received a report of gunfire directed at a car outside the school, followed by other reports of shooting inside the building.

She explained that police officers arrived at the scene within minutes and that the suspect was shot inside the school. She noted that authorities had not yet determined whether he was killed by police gunfire, by someone else on the scene, or by suicide.

She added that emergency medical teams transported at least two people to the hospital, without disclosing their conditions. Students and school staff were evacuated and taken to a designated location to be reunited with their families.

The Bend-La Pine School District announced a precautionary closure of the school, and schools in the area were closed on Friday.

For his part, FBI Director Kash Patel announced the bureau’s participation in the investigation, confirming that the FBI is providing support to local authorities to uncover the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Authorities are continuing their investigation to determine the motives behind the attack and to establish the final casualty toll.