Governor praises local who 'heroically' helped end the mass shooting at an Oregon elementary school

Officials are lauding the actions of a local who they say chased down and shot a teenage gunman who killed three children and a teacher at an Oregon elementary school.

At a news conference hours after Thursday's attack at Silver Rail Elementary School in Bend, Gov. Tina Kotek praised the person's response as police arrived at the scene, saying they helped end the rampage and likely saved lives.


 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 as well,  Kotek said.

Related video above: Gov. Tina Kotek speaks at news conference after Thursday's attack at Silver Rail Elementary School.

Like police, the Democratic governor didn't provide any details about the person who intervened, including whether they have a link to the school and whether it was a shot they fired that killed the attacker.

Memorials with flowers, balloons and stuffed animals popped up around the school, which sits in a densely packed neighborhood filled with newly built homes.

Brooke Olsen, whose daughter is a kindergartener at Silver Rail, said she was amazed that a member of the public pursued the shooter.

 I think it's miraculous that someone was there before law enforcement even arrived to stop further tragedy from happening,  Olsen said Friday, weeping at times.  I'm feeling very grateful. 

The shooter used a gun bought by his mom

The 16-year-old suspect, identified only as a Bend resident, was found dead inside the school minutes after the first calls for help, Police Chief Mike Krantz said. Police said he got into the school by shooting through locked doors.

The children who were killed were ages 5, 8 and 11, Krantz said. Authorities didn't give details about the teacher who was killed. Another 7-year-old child and a 54-year-old teacher were wounded in the attack and were taken to a hospital in critical condition, he said.

The attacker used a pump-action shotg
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