A deadly shooting unfolded in Bend, Oregon, with at least three people reported killed. Local authorities confirmed the attacker was among those found dead after the incident that occurred on a Sunday evening at a shopping area in Bend. The Forum mall, located about 200 kilometers southeast of Salem, became the scene of a violent sequence that began around 7 p.m. local time. Investigators continue to piece together the events of that night as they work to determine the motive and the full timeline of the attack.
The initial disturbance appeared to involve a person who entered the mall and set fire to a parking area near the Costco, Big Lots, and adjacent businesses. Representatives for Costco and Big Lots stated that there were no reported injuries at those locations, but police stress that the focus of the investigation is on what followed inside the mall and nearby stores. The suspect then entered a Safeway supermarket where at least one person was shot near the entrance. The victim was transported to a local hospital, where medical staff subsequently reported the person had died.
According to law enforcement, as the situation continued inside the mall, another person was shot, with the police later confirming multiple fatalities. Officers arrived to intervene, entered the building, and authorities say the suspect was found deceased inside the store. Importantly, detectives indicated that the responding officers did not discharge their weapons during the intervention. These details form part of an ongoing inquiry, and authorities stress that the investigation remains active as they analyze evidence from the scene.
Bend Police Chief Mike Krantz described the firearm used in the incident as an AR-15 rifle paired with a shotgun. Officials have not publicly released the names of those killed or injured, and investigators continue to follow leads and interview witnesses to establish a clearer narrative of the events. News outlets have reported ongoing collaboration with local police as the inquiry proceeds. The community is urged to avoid the area while investigators conduct their work and collect testimony from residents and visitors who were near the shopping center that night. Additional updates will be provided by law enforcement as new information becomes available. (ABC News, Bend Police Department)
In the days that followed, officials emphasized the importance of staying informed through official channels and cautioned residents that details could change as the investigation progresses. The Forum mall area, including nearby retail outlets and public parking zones, remained under scrutiny as investigators cataloged surveillance footage, reviewed store records, and interviewed witnesses who survived or witnessed the chaotic sequence. Community leaders urged calm and resilience as local services coordinated support for those affected by the events. While the incident is isolated to a specific shopping district, its impact ripples through Bend and the broader region, prompting discussions about public safety measures, emergency response readiness, and the vigilance necessary when navigating crowded commercial spaces.