Oregon political leaders react to deadly shooting at Bend elementary school

AS news broke on Thursday afternoon that at least three children and one adult were killed in a shooting at a Bend, Oregon elementary school, political leaders in the state released statements of heartbreak.

U.S. Rep. Janelle Bynum, whose congressional district stretches into the central Oregon town, said she was pausing campaign activity in her reelection bid because of the shooting at Silver Rail Elementary School.

“They’re killing our babies. Shredding our kids with lead. Forcing us to live in fear,” she said in a statement. “I feel this deep, deep, deep in my soul. Our whole community does. Our whole state does. And the whole nation should. Our babies are supposed to do arts and crafts at school, not use their desks as cover from gunfire. They’re supposed to make friends, not mourn them. This is every parent's worst fear. My heart and my prayers and everything else I got is with the families at Silver Rail Elementary. When will it end?”

Deschutes County Commissioner Patti Adair, Bynum's opponent in this year's election in the 5th Congressional District, also said she was pausing her campaign events.

Gov. Tina Kotek posted a statement on X.

Kotek is also running for reelection this year and is in a tight race with her Republican opponent, state Sen. Christine Drazan. Drazan also released a statement on the shooting on X.

U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden, Oregon's senior U.S. senator, released a statement:

My heart goes out to the innocent victims of today’s horrific shooting at Silver Rail Elementary School and their loved ones now facing the awful consequences of yet another school shooting in America. The best way to honor these victims is to at long last pass common-sense gun laws that reduce the risks of more children, parents, teachers and staff forced to live in fear of similar nightmares for their schools.

He also posted more on his X page:

My team and I are closely monitoring reports of an active shooter situation at Silver Rail Elementary School in Bend. As details continue to come out, my heart is with the Bend community and all of the students and families affected.

Statement from U.S. Rep. Suzanne Bonamici, who represents Oregon's 1st Congressional District:

Statement from U.S. Rep. Maxine Dexter, who represents Oregon's 3rd Congressional District:

This is a devastating day for Oregon. My heart is with the Bend community, and every family who is being impacted by this tragic, senseless shooting. Schools should be places of learning, friendship and joy. It is incumbent on me, and every lawmaker, to do everything we can to ensure our kids are safe.

Statement from U.S. Rep. Val Hoyle, who represents Oregon's 4th Congressional District:

As a mother, I’m heartbroken by the shooting at Silver Rail Elementary. Our schools should be safe places for children to learn and thrive, not places where students, teachers, and staff fear for their lives.

Republican leaders in the Oregon Legislature released statements:

House Republican Leader Lucetta Elmer, of McMinnville:

Words can’t express the heartbreak of hearing that the Bend community has experienced such unnecessary violence. I am grateful to the Bend Police Department and first responders who responded quickly to the scene.

My heart is with every student, parent, teacher, and family member affected by this tragedy. Every parent should be able to send their child to school with the confidence that they will be safe, and every child deserves to learn in an environment free from fear.

Rep. Vikki Breeze Iverson, of Prineville, whose district is in central Oregon.

The senseless violence against our children today is heartbreaking. My commitment is to the families, students, and teachers as we learn details of today’s horrific event. I’m grateful to every first responder who stepped in with urgency to protect our community. May the weight of God sit heavy with any soul who justifies this evil deed.

Two Oregon state senators, a Democrat and a Republican, who represent areas in central Oregon, issued a joint news release.

“As a father and a neighbor, I grieve and pray for the families who face devastating loss today. Knowing that children and an educator had their lives cut short by violence, in a place that should be safe and full of vitality, troubles the soul of every good human being,” said Sen. Anthony Broadman, D-Bend. “Oregonians in all corners of the state will wrap this community in love and support.”

“Central Oregon is devastated. We are grieving. We are horrified by the senseless violence,” said Sen. Mike McLane, R-Powell Butte. “Our hearts are with the Silver Rail Elementary community and Bend.”

Two state representatives who represent Bend also issued statements.

“This is an incredibly tragic day for the Bend community. You can’t put into words what you feel when you hear news like this. Your heart drops to your stomach and breaks at the same time,” said Rep. Jason Kropf, D-Bend, and chair of the House Judiciary committee. “As a parent in the district and fellow community member to families impacted, it’s terrifying and heartbreaking.”

Rep. Emerson Levy, D-Bend, South Redmond, Tumalo & Sisters, shared in an Instagram story: “It is now public that children are among the victims. There simply are not words to express the depth of sorrow we feel. We are thankful for law enforcement and their swift response. Senator Broadman, Rep Kropf and I are in contact with all levels of government and in coordination. Before anything, I am a mom. A mom of an 11 year old. Today is the worst fear of every single parent.”

State Rep. Alek Skarlatos, R–Winston, released the following statement.

Jessi and I are heartbroken for the families in Bend tonight. No parent should ever send their child to school in the morning and not bring them home. We are praying for the children and the educator whose lives were taken, for those still fighting for their lives at St. Charles, and for every student, teacher and family at Silver Rail who lived through a nightmare today.

I want to thank the Bend Police officers, deputies, firefighters, medics and dispatchers who ran toward the danger and got to that school within minutes. Their response saved lives.

In 2015, I was on a train to Paris when a gunman opened fire. My friends and I, along with other passengers, did not wait. We acted, because in those moments there is no one else coming in time. Seconds decide everything. I have thought about those seconds every day since.

Today, according to law enforcement sources, a law-abiding Oregonian who was legally carrying a concealed firearm made that same choice. That person followed the shooter and stopped him before he could take more lives. Ironically, to stop the shooting that individual had to themselves break Oregon law by bringing a firearm into a gun free zone. That kind of courage is rare, and it should be recognized. There are families in Bend tonight whose children are coming home because one person was prepared and willing to act.

There will be time for hard conversations about how we keep our schools safe. Tonight belongs to the families of Silver Rail. I ask every Oregonian to hold them close, and to hold their own children a little tighter.