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.
Sources
- @libsoftiktok on X, 2026-10-16: Good guy with a gun stops armed t*rrorist Buy guns. Buy ammo. Protect your family and community., 2026-10-16
- 3 children, 1 teacher killed in shooting at Bend, Oregon, elementary school, police say; suspect dead
- Bend, Oregon elementary school shooting: 3 children, 1 teacher killed; teen suspect dead - ABC News
- 4 dead in shooting at Silver Rail Elementary school; shooter dead
- DEVELOPING STORY: Multiple Victims Following Shooting at Silver Rail Elementary School, Including Children - KTVZ
- Bend Police Dept. News via Flashalert.net
- 6:30 P.M. UPDATE: Three children, teacher killed in shooting at Silver Rail Elementary School
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