Hero gunman who ran into Oregon elementary school to end teen’s mass shooting was a ‘student’s dad’: dispatch audio

By New York Post (U.S.) | Created at 2026-10-16 10:41:31 | Updated at 2026-10-16 11:15:53 36 minutes ago

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The heroic bystander who rushed into an Oregon elementary school to end a crazed teen’s deadly mass shooting is believed to be a student’s dad, according to radio dispatch audio.

The so-far unidentified dad rushed into Silver Rail Elementary School in Bend as soon as he saw the 16-year-old gunman storm in just after 1 p.m. Thursday and killed him after he gunned down three young kids — one just 5 — and a teacher.

His heroic actions were relayed to responding cops who had yet to even storm into the school.

People gather for a candlelight vigil held in Drake Park in Bend, Ore., on Oct. 15, 2026, following a shooting at Silver Rail Elementary School. Eli Imadali/Oregon Public Broadcasting via AP
Candles and flowers are placed at a makeshift memorial outside the Silver Rail Elementary School. AFP via Getty Images

“Looks like the shooter has been neutralized – possibly shot by a father at the school,” emergency dispatchers said in audio shared on Broadcastify.

“Not sure about patients at this time. The police are arriving,” the dispatcher said.

Bend Police Chief Mike Krantz confirmed that the deadly rampage was ended by “a community member who had seen the suspect enter the school and pursued him into the school and engaged him.”

People leave a family meeting area following a shooting at Silver Rail Elementary School, on Oct. 16, 2026, in Bend, Ore. AP Photo/Joe Kline

Only then did officers enter the building and confirm the crazed school shooter was dead, he said.

“To the community member who heroically intervened to stop further loss of life, your actions carry a heavy emotional burden and I just want you to know that my thoughts are with you,” Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek said.

Oregon State Rep. Vikki Breese-Iverson said she was “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 deed,” the Republican lawmaker said, branding the violence “senseless.”

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