Local
Kotek says Bend shooting investigation must come before gun-policy debate
After a shooting at Silver Rail Elementary killed four people and the 16-year-old suspected gunman, Gov. Tina Kotek said her immediate focus is supporting families and the Bend community. Investigators are still working to determine the shooter’s motive and how he obtained the shotgun.
Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek said Saturday that supporting families and the Bend community is her priority after a shooting at Silver Rail Elementary School left four people dead and two seriously injured. The 16-year-old suspected gunman was also killed.
Speaking on NPR’s “All Things Considered,” Kotek said investigators have not yet answered key questions about the shooting, including the teenager’s motive and how he got the 12-gauge pump-action shotgun. She said it could take days for law enforcement to establish what happened and declined to discuss changes to gun laws while families are grieving and the investigation continues.
The shooting happened Thursday. A parent who was armed shot and killed the teenager inside a classroom, according to the account of the incident. Those killed included 5-year-old Rhoam Summer and 25-year-old teacher Megan Lambert. Police had not formally identified two other students who died. Teacher Becky Drury, 54, and 7-year-old Saylor Graham were seriously injured.
Kotek said she had spoken with Lambert’s mother and would not provide further information about victims out of respect for their families. She described Lambert as a beloved teacher and volleyball coach.
Questions have been raised about whether the shotgun was purchased by the teenager’s mother. Kotek said she is receiving updates from law enforcement but that investigators need time to determine how the weapon was obtained. Oregon law allows minors to possess some firearms when a parent or guardian provides them.
Kotek, who has supported the state’s gun-violence prevention policies, said debate over those laws should wait. “I don’t think any of us should be politicizing this incident,” she said when asked whether gun control should be a key issue in her reelection campaign against Republican Christine Drazan.
She praised school staff and the armed parent who confronted the shooter, saying their quick actions helped prevent further deaths and injuries. Kotek also said Bend-La Pine Schools had security locks and had conducted lockdown drills a few weeks before the shooting.
Schools across the country routinely prepare for active-shooter situations, Kotek said, adding that she wished such training were not necessary. She said a broader discussion about policy could happen after the community has had time to reflect.