BEND, Ore. — The city of Bend is grappling with questions about safety and community identity following a school shooting at Silver Rail Elementary School on Thursday that left four people dead and two others injured.

The attacker, identified as a 16-year-old former special education student, entered through a side door and opened fire in a special education classroom, killing three children and a teacher. Law enforcement officials said the shooter used a pump-action shotgun owned by his mother, though authorities have not disclosed how he obtained the weapon, what his motive was, or whether any criminal charges will be filed against family members.

The incident shattered the sense of security in this high-desert city, which has grown rapidly into a hub for outdoor recreation with a population exceeding 107,000. Residents, many of whom relocated to Bend seeking refuge from the challenges of larger urban centers, are now confronting a new reality of violence. This shooting marks the second major gun-related tragedy in the area in recent years; in 2019, a separate attack at a grocery store nearby resulted in two deaths.

Community members expressed both shock and determination in the aftermath. Parents like Savannah Patton, whose two children attend the school, questioned how the community could restore its previous sense of normalcy. “We like to think we’re different,” Patton said, noting that she had moved with her family to raise children in what she believed was a safer environment.

The neighborhood surrounding Silver Rail Elementary, characterized by new housing developments and suburban design, had been viewed as affordable and family-friendly amid the city’s rapid population growth and escalating housing costs. Parents and neighbors said social ties were strong, with families actively involved in school and community activities.

Following the shooting, community members organized meal trains for the victims’ families and created memorials near the school. Local residents also reported an increased interest in obtaining concealed carry permits, reflecting a response to concerns about security. Meanwhile, volunteers and neighbors have rallied together to support one another through organized events like pizza parties and fundraisers.

Bend-La Pine School District officials confirmed that other schools in the district will reopen on Wednesday, but Silver Rail Elementary will remain closed until further notice. Parents have noted that students are eager to return to school despite the trauma, with some already asking about upcoming events such as parent-teacher conferences and seasonal celebrations.

Authorities credited a rapid response with preventing further loss of life. A teacher reportedly disrupted the attacker by throwing a phone at him and tackling him, while a passing father intervened and used a firearm to stop the shooter. Police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.

As the community processes the tragedy, residents emphasize the importance of mutual support and healing while confronting difficult questions about safety in a city that has long prided itself on a small-town feel.