Candlelight vigil honours victims of Oregon school shooting

On Thursday, a 16-year-old shooter opened fire at Silver Rail Elementary School in Bend, Oregon, killing four people - three children and a teacher - before being shot dead by a member of the community. The shooter entered the school by firing through locked doors, though no further details were provided by police. Three victims were aged 5, 8, and 11, while the fourth victim was a teacher.

Additionally, a 7-year-old student and a 54-year-old teacher were critically injured and taken to the hospital. Bend Police Chief Mike Krantz informed a press conference that the community member who stopped the assailant had pursued him into the school. Oregon Governor Tina Kotek praised the heroism of the community member, stating that "no parent should have to have this kind of day" and "no community should have to live through this kind of day."

Krantz highlighted that every Bend police officer undergoes active shooter training, emphasizing that such incidents require a long investigation. Gun control advocate Gabrielle Giffords expressed her heartbreak over the shooting, calling for action from leaders at every level.