October 16, 2026 3:50 a.m.    

Governor Tina Kotek has ordered flags at Oregon public institutions to be flown at half-staff on Friday, October 16th from sunrise to sunset, pursuant to the United States Flag Code, in remembrance of those who lost their lives on Thursday at Silver Rail Elementary School in Bend.

Three children and one adult were killed. One adult and one child were injured. The sixteen-year-old shooter was shot and killed by a bystander, according to police reports.

Governor Kotek said, “I want to start by thanking and praising the quick thinking and courage of the Silver Rail Elementary School staff and parents — and the first responders who rushed to the scene”.

Governor Kotek said, “And to the community member who heroically intervened to stop further loss of life, your actions carry a heavy emotional burden – and my thoughts are with you. My heart is absolutely broken. Our hearts will stay broken in the days and weeks ahead. My daily prayers will be with this community, with the children, with the parents”.

Governor Kotek concluded, “There will be time for answering all the questions we have and search for more ways to prevent this kind of violence from happening. But for now, let us hold each other close in our grief, and put as much love into the world as possible”.