Bend law enforcement is examining the path a 16‑year‑old former student took to acquire the shotgun employed in the October 15 assault on Silver Rail Elementary, after confirming the weapon was bought legally.

The incident resulted in four fatalities – three boys aged five, eight and eleven, and teacher Megan Lambert – and left special‑education teacher Becky Drury seriously wounded, who later said she pretended to be dead after being shot at close range.

Police confirmed that the shotgun involved had been obtained through a lawful purchase, though they have not disclosed the buyer’s identity while they trace how it reached the teenager.

An earlier report by the Associated Press suggested the shooter’s mother bought the gun, a claim that local police have not verified publicly.

According to police statements, the teen arrived at the school shortly before 1 p.m., tossed the long gun over a fence, and then climbed onto the property, where a driver confronted him, prompting the teen to fire at a red pickup truck.

A second motorist, a 36‑year‑old father, followed the youth toward the school, and a parent who entered the building later shot the attacker, ending the assault.

Inside the classroom, another teacher threw her mobile phone at the shooter, tackled him and helped wrestle the firearm, actions police say likely averted additional casualties.

Investigators have examined the suspect’s residence, electronic devices and social‑media activity, but have not released a motive for the attack.

Following the shooting, the Bend‑La Pine district temporarily closed schools; classes resumed on October 21 across the district except at Silver Rail, with a heightened police presence maintained around schools.