Silver Rail Elementary School Shooting: Four Victims Killed in Bend, Oregon

The Bend community is mourning after a deadly shooting at Silver Rail Elementary School in Bend, Oregon, on Thursday, October 15, 2026. The attack claimed the lives of three children and a 25-year-old teacher, while another child and a teacher were seriously injured.

According to the Bend Police Department, officers responded to the school at approximately 12:59 p.m. after receiving reports of gunfire. Investigators said a 16-year-old suspect entered the school and opened fire inside a classroom.

The suspect was also killed during the incident after a community member intervened. Police said the attack unfolded rapidly, with the first responding officers arriving at approximately 1:02 p.m.

What Happened at Silver Rail Elementary School?

Police reports indicate that the incident began when the suspect approached the school carrying a shotgun. Before entering the building, he reportedly fired at a vehicle near the school.

The suspect then forced his way into the elementary school and entered a classroom, where he fired multiple rounds.

A community member whose children attended the school intervened after witnessing the attack. According to investigators, the individual entered the building and shot the suspect, who died at the scene.

A teacher inside the classroom also confronted the attacker and attempted to stop him.

The investigation involved the Bend Police Department, the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office, Oregon State Police, the FBI, and other agencies.

Victims of the Silver Rail Elementary School Shooting

Authorities confirmed that three children, aged 5, 8, and 11, and a 25-year-old teacher died in the attack.

The teacher was identified as Megan Lambert of Bend. At her family’s request, one of the children who died was identified as 5-year-old Rhoam Summer. The families of the other two children requested that their identities remain private.

A 7-year-old student and a 54-year-old teacher were also injured. The student was reported to be in serious but stable condition, while the teacher’s injuries were described as serious but not life-threatening.

The injured teacher was later identified as Becky Drury of Bend.

Suspect Identified by Police

Bend Police identified the suspect as 16-year-old Griffin J. John II, a former Silver Rail Elementary student who was not enrolled in the Bend-La Pine School District at the time of the shooting.

Investigators said he used a Maverick 88 pump-action 12-gauge shotgun during the attack. Police also confirmed that the firearm had been legally purchased, although how the teenager obtained the weapon and ammunition remained part of the investigation.

Authorities continued examining evidence, interviewing witnesses, and reviewing video footage to establish the events leading up to the shooting.

Personal Details

Shooting and Investigation Details

Remembering Megan Lambert and the Children

The shooting left families, school staff, and residents of Bend facing an enormous loss.

Megan Lambert, 25, was remembered by her family as a compassionate educator who cared deeply about children and her community. She had grown up in Central Oregon, attended Mountain View High School, and graduated from Boise State University in 2023.

Her family described her as someone who supported others, particularly people who needed additional help. Teaching at Silver Rail Elementary had been a dream of hers.

The children who lost their lives were also remembered by their families and the wider community. Their deaths brought grief to classmates, educators, parents, and residents throughout Bend.

Funeral and Memorial Information

Individual funeral and memorial arrangements for the victims were not included in the police updates referenced for this article. Families may share service information through their own announcements or funeral homes.

The school district and community also provided support resources for students, staff members, and families affected by the tragedy.

Disclaimer

This article is based on information released by the Bend Police Department, Bend-La Pine Schools, Oregon state officials, and established news organizations concerning the October 15, 2026, shooting at Silver Rail Elementary School. Victim identities are included only where publicly released by authorities or families. The identities of two child victims have been withheld at their families’ request. Investigation details may change as authorities release further findings.