16-year-old identified as shooter in Oregon elementary school attack
Police have identified the 16-year-old suspect who opened fire at Silver Rail Elementary in Bend, killing three children and wounding a teacher and another child.
Investigators have named the 16-year-old gunman as John J. Griffin II, whose mother purchased the long gun he used near his birthday in August. The shooting took place at Silver Rail Elementary School in Bend around 1 p.m., with the teen firing through a locked door to enter the building. Three children—ages 5, 8 and 11—were killed, and a 7-year-old student and a teacher were critically injured.
An armed bystander intervened, fatally shooting the teenager and halting the assault. Police and federal agents have not disclosed a motive for the attack. Bend Mayor Melanie Kebler expressed profound grief at a community vigil held later that day.
Why it matters
The incident highlights concerns about school safety and gun access for minors.
How this story developed
- Oct 15 Shooter wounded multiple people at Oregon elementary before being killed by police
- Oct 16 The reported death toll has been updated from initial figures to five, including the shooter.
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