Oregon School Shooter, 16, Used Shotgun His Mother Bought in Attack That Killed Four, Report Says

A 16-year-old Oregon school shooter used a shotgun reportedly bought by his mother, an unnamed law enforcement official told the Associated Press. The teenager killed three children and a teacher at Silver Rail Elementary School in Bend on Thursday, 15 October.

The official described the weapon as a pump-action shotgun. Bend police have not publicly confirmed its purchase or explained how the teenager obtained it.

A community member followed the attacker into the school and fatally shot him, authorities said.

Police were first alerted at 12.59pm when someone in a vehicle outside the school reported being fired upon. Deschutes County dispatchers then received multiple calls reporting that a gunman had entered the building.

Bend Police Chief Mike Krantz said officers arrived at around 1.02pm, only minutes after the first report. Seconds later, officers reported that the suspect had been shot.

Shotgun Reportedly Purchased by Oregon School Shooter's Mother

The detail about the firearm came from an official briefed on the investigation who was not authorised to speak publicly, according to the Associated Press.

Police initially described the attacker as carrying a long gun but did not specify its type during Thursday's briefing.

The official's account links the shotgun to a purchase by the teenager's mother. It does not establish how the firearm came into his possession, where it was kept before the attack or whether he had permission to use it. Investigators have not publicly answered those questions.

Authorities have also not announced findings concerning the circumstances in which the attacker gained access to the weapon. The investigation extends to his movements before the shooting, the circumstances of the attack and any possible connection to the school.

How the Oregon School Shooter Forced His Way Inside

Krantz said the teenager gained entry 'by shooting at locked doors'. Investigators have not publicly established how far he travelled into the building before the shooting ended. They also said they did not know whether he had previously attended Silver Rail or knew anyone there.

The three children killed were aged five, eight and 11. A teacher also died. A seven-year-old pupil and a 54-year-old teacher were taken to St Charles Medical Center in critical condition, according to the initial police account.

A civilian who witnessed the teenager entering the school pursued him inside and shot him, Krantz said. Police have not disclosed the person's identity or given a precise timeline for the confrontation. The four victims and the suspect were found dead inside the school.

Oregon Governor Tina Kotek praised the intervention, saying the person 'heroically intervened to stop further loss of life'. She also acknowledged its impact on the individual involved.

'Your actions carry a heavy emotional burden, and I just want you to know that my thoughts are with you as well,' Kotek said.

The governor's remarks followed confirmation that the civilian had pursued the attacker into the building. Authorities have not disclosed further details about the encounter or established publicly what prompted the teenager to target the school.

Oregon School Shooting Leaves Families Mourning

Children and staff were evacuated and taken to a nearby church, where families gathered for reunification. Parents embraced their children and led them away from the meeting point, some carrying familiar toys brought from home.

Silver Rail serves pupils from kindergarten through fifth grade and had 459 students enrolled the previous year, according to Oregon Department of Education figures.

Bend-La Pine Schools cancelled classes, sports and extracurricular activities across all 32 district schools on Friday, 16 October.

'No community should have to do what we are doing right now,' Superintendent Steven Cook said at Thursday's news conference. He described the attack as an 'unthinkable tragedy'.

The Oregon Department of Emergency Management said state education, health and social-service agencies were working with their partners to support those affected.

Residents also gathered for a vigil in Drake Park on Thursday evening, leaving candles and flowers as the city began mourning the victims. The gathering followed a day in which families had waited for news from inside the school.

The FBI is assisting local police, according to FBI Director Kash Patel. Federal firearms investigators were also reported to be helping authorities establish what happened.

Police have not announced a motive or publicly established a connection between the teenager and the victims.

The reported purchase of the shotgun remains one part of an investigation with substantial unanswered questions. Authorities have yet to explain how the teenager obtained the weapon, why he went to Silver Rail Elementary or what led to the attack that killed four people.