Oregon Flags Lowered to Half-Staff Friday in Honor of Bend School Shooting Victims

SALEM, Ore. - Flags at public institutions across Oregon will fly at half-staff Friday, October 16, as the state mourns the victims of a deadly shooting at Silver Rail Elementary School in Bend.

Governor Tina Kotek issued the order Thursday, directing that flags remain lowered from sunrise to sunset in remembrance of those who lost their lives in the October 15 shooting.

According to the Governor's Office, three children and one adult were killed, while another child and adult were injured. The suspected shooter, a 16-year-old, was also killed.

The tragedy has prompted a response from state officials, who are coordinating resources and offering assistance to the Bend community.

In a statement released Thursday, Kotek expressed her gratitude to the school staff, parents, first responders, and community members who acted during the emergency.

“I want to start by thanking and praising the quick thinking and courage of the Silver Rail Elementary School staff and parents — and the first responders who rushed to the scene,” Kotek said.

She also recognized a community member who intervened during the shooting, acknowledging both the person's actions and the emotional weight of the experience.

Kotek shared a personal connection to the school, recalling a visit nearly one year earlier when she joined educators and community members in contacting families to celebrate improvements in student attendance. During that visit, she said, she witnessed the enthusiasm and sense of community surrounding the school.

“My heart is absolutely broken. Our hearts will stay broken in the days and weeks ahead,” Kotek said.

The governor emphasized that the loss extends beyond the families directly affected, with communities throughout Oregon sharing in the grief.

The Oregon Department of Emergency Management is coordinating with multiple state agencies to provide support as needed. The Oregon Department of Education, Oregon Health Authority, and Oregon Department of Human Services are also working with community partners to assist those affected.

State emergency management officials are encouraging residents to respect the privacy of victims and their families, avoid spreading unverified information, and rely on official updates as the investigation continues.

Kotek acknowledged that questions remain about the circumstances of the shooting and how similar acts of violence might be prevented. For now, she urged Oregonians to focus on supporting those who are grieving.

“But for now, let us hold each other close in our grief, and put as much love into the world as possible,” Kotek said.

The statewide half-staff order will remain in effect through sunset Friday, October 16.