A 16-year-old former student opened fire at Silver Rail Elementary School in Bend, Oregon, on Thursday, killing three children and one teacher before an armed father pursued him inside and fatally shot the attacker.

Bend Police Chief Mike Krantz said the shooter, identified as Griffin J. John II, forced entry by shooting through locked doors around 1 p.m. local time. He targeted a special education classroom, firing about 15 rounds from a 12-gauge pump-action shotgun that his mother had purchased. Three students aged 5, 8 and 11 died, along with 25-year-old teacher Megan Lambert. A 7-year-old student and a 54-year-old teacher suffered critical injuries.

A community member, later identified as local father Kaylub Giamanco, saw the attack unfold, followed the shooter into the building, and engaged him in gunfire. Police arrived within minutes and found the suspect dead inside. Authorities credited Giamanco's actions with preventing further casualties.

Governor Tina Kotek praised the intervention at a press conference, calling it heroic. The National Rifle Association echoed similar sentiments in a post to X.

Officials noted the shooter had previously attended the school as a special-needs student. The motive remains under investigation.

The Bend-La Pine School District canceled classes and activities across its 32 schools on Friday. Community members gathered for vigils, including one at Drake Park.

Two victims, 5-year-old Rhoam Summer and teacher Megan Lambert, have been publicly identified with family consent. Police continue to examine how the shooter obtained the weapon and any prior connections to the school.