State of Oregon Extends Condolences and Offers Support Following Bend School Shooting

SALEM, Ore. -The State of Oregon extends its deepest condolences to the families, students, educators, school staff and entire Bend community affected by today's shooting at Silver Rail Elementary School.

Our hearts are with everyone impacted by this tragedy, especially the victims and their loved ones. We also recognize the 9-1-1 telecommunicators, first responders, law enforcement officers, emergency medical personnel, school officials and community partners who responded to this heartbreaking incident. The Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM) continues to maintain situational awareness to support additional resources or assistance that may be needed.

State agencies, including the Oregon Department of Education, Oregon Health Authority, and Oregon Department of Human Services, are working with their respective partners to support the community.

As the incident transitions into the investigation and recovery phases, state officials encourage Oregonians to support those affected, respect the privacy of victims and families, and rely on official sources for accurate information.

What Community Members Can Do

During this difficult time, the public can help support the response and recovery efforts by:

• Following official instructions: Stay informed through local law enforcement, emergency management and school district communications.
• Avoiding the affected area: Allow first responders, investigators and families the space needed to safely carry out their work.
• Preventing misinformation: Do not share unverified reports, images or identifying information about victims.
• Supporting children and families: Check in with loved ones, listen to their concerns and provide reassurance and emotional support.
• Respecting privacy: Give affected families and the school community time and space to process this tragedy.

For the latest official updates regarding the incident, visit the Bend Police Department website.

Crisis Support

Tragic events involving school violence can have lasting emotional impacts on students, families, educators, first responders and the broader community.

It is normal for individuals to experience fear, sadness, anxiety, confusion or other emotional reactions following a traumatic event. Parents and caregivers are encouraged to talk with children in age-appropriate ways, provide reassurance, maintain routines when possible and limit repeated exposure to distressing news coverage.

Free and confidential mental health resources are available:

• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 for free, confidential emotional support, available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Spanish-language support is also available.
• YouthLine: Call 877-968-8491 or text teen2teen to 839863 for support designed for teens and young adults.
• 211info: Dial 211 or visit 211info.org for information about community services and available support resources.

Anyone experiencing an immediate emergency should call 911.

School Safety and Emergency Preparedness Resources

The Oregon Department of Education's School Safety and Emergency Management program provides resources to help schools and communities strengthen preparedness, emergency response and recovery efforts.

Resources include emergency operations planning, training, exercises, family reunification planning and coordination with local emergency response partners.

School districts and community members interested in learning how they can help make their communities more responsive and resilient during times of crisis are encouraged to visit the Oregon Department of Education's School Safety and Emergency Management webpage.

Continued State Support

The State of Oregon remains committed to supporting the Bend community as local officials continue their investigation and recovery efforts. State agencies will maintain coordination with local partners and stand ready to assist with additional resources as needs are identified.

During this difficult time, Oregonians are encouraged to come together with compassion, support those affected and allow the community the time and space needed to begin healing.

For the latest information and official updates, visit the Bend Police Department.

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