Libs of TikTok urges gun buying after Bend bystander stops attacker

The Oct. 15 attack killed three children and a teacher and critically injured two others; Libs of TikTok framed the bystander’s intervention as a case for armed self-defense.

Libs of TikTok paired a report that a community member shot the Bend school attacker with a call to buy guns and ammunition to protect families and the community². On Oct. 16 the account posted “Good guy with a gun stops armed t*rrorist” and urged readers to buy guns and ammunition to protect their families and community.”¹

In a post quoted by Libs of TikTok, Nick Sortor wrote, “This man is a HERO! Proof we need more GOOD GUYS WITH GUNS!”

The post, in the account’s own words:

The post followed the Oct. 15 attack at Silver Rail Elementary School in Bend, Oregon, where a shooter forced his way in and opened fire, authorities said. Bend Police Chief Mike Krantz said the initial investigation indicated the shooter got in by shooting at locked doors³. According to Krantz, a community member who saw the suspect enter the school pursued him inside and shot him². The suspect was a 16-year-old Bend resident⁴.

Police received the first call at 12:59 p.m., and the school was directed into lockdown at 1:01 p.m. Officers arrived a minute later. Three children, ages 5, 8 and 11, and a teacher were killed². A 7-year-old child and a 54-year-old teacher were critically injured³.

Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek said the community member “heroically intervened to stop further loss of life.”² Bend-La Pine Schools Superintendent Steven Cook called the shooting an “unthinkable tragedy” and said, “We are heartbroken. We are horrified.”³ Bend Mayor Melanie Kebler said the attack changed forever the lives of “the children, families, educators, and school staff.”⁵

Police evacuated the school room by room and set up a nearby church as a family reunification site³. Bend Police asked families and guardians to go to Journey Church and urged the public to avoid the school and church areas during the law-enforcement response⁶. The district canceled classes, activities and athletic events, closing its schools for the day. Superintendent Steven Cook said crisis counselors would be available at the Central Library beginning at 9 a.m. for families, students and staff⁷.

Libs of TikTok urges gun buying after Bend bystander stops attacker

Sources