SPECIAL REPORT
Photo Credit: Silver Rail Elementary School / Bend-La Pine Schools. Photo sourced from the school’s official website
October 16, 2026
Malik and Gale Washington, representing Destination Freedom and Destination Freedom Media Group, are heartbroken and deeply saddened by the tragic school shooting at Silver Rail Elementary School in Bend, Oregon, on October 15, 2026.
Three young children, ages 5, 8, and 11, and a teacher lost their lives. Two others were critically injured.
Our hearts go out to the families who have lost loved ones, the injured, the students and educators who survived, and the entire Bend community.
Once again, families are grieving the unimaginable loss of loved ones to violence in a place where children should feel safe.
Schools should be places of learning, discovery, friendship, and hope. No parent should have to fear that sending their child to school could mean never seeing them again.
As organizations committed to human dignity, community well-being, and justice, Destination Freedom and Destination Freedom Media Group stand in solidarity with everyone affected by this tragedy.
We mourn the lives lost. We stand with the survivors. And we reaffirm our belief that every child deserves to learn in safety.