Oregon officials say school shooter used to be a special needs student at Silver Rail Elementary

Bend Police officials told reporters Friday that the suspected teen shooter who killed four people during a school shooting in Oregon this week was actually a former special needs student at the place the shooting took place.

Authorities identified 16-year-old Griffin J. John II as the suspected shooter at Silver Rail Elementary School, where he allegedly killed three children and one teacher. John reportedly previously attended the school in the special needs classroom he targeted, authorities said in a press conference.

The teenager was also killed in the shooting by an armed bystander, who was the father of two girls at the school. A female teacher also struggled with John to try to take control of the firearm, officials said, according to NBC News.

“She was not injured in that incident, but she almost certainly helped prevent more bloodshed,” Bend Police Chief Mike Krantz said. “I don’t think we can underestimate or underappreciate that courage — when someone is willing to risk their own life for others."

Police have identified the slain teacher as 25-year-old Megan Lambert, and the youngest victim as Rhoam Summer, who was just five years old. An eight-year-old and an 11-year-old were also killed, but their identities will not be released at the request of their families.

A seven-year-old girl and another teacher were also injured in the shooting and are in critical condition.

Misty Severi is a news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.