Oregon School Shooting, Russia's View On US-Ukraine Split, DOJ Sues California

Steve Inskeep (0:02)

Three children and a teacher were killed at an elementary school in Oregon.

A Martínez (0:06)

Police say a teenager shot through locked doors before a bystander followed him inside and killed him. What are investigators learning?

Steve Inskeep (0:13)

I'm Steve Inskeep with A Martinez, and this is Up First from NPR News.

Ukraine struck another Russian oil refinery in response to attacks on its energy sites. President Trump says Ukraine's president doesn't want to end the war. How does Moscow see the growing split between Washington and Keith?

A Martínez (0:33)

And the Justice Department mailed Los Angeles County a thumb drive naming voters they believe are non-citizens and gave them 48 hours to investigate. Californians refused now that DOJ is suing. Can the administration stop those ballots so close to election day?

Steve Inskeep (0:47)

Stay with us.

A Martínez (0:48)

We've got the news you need to start your day.

SPEAKER_3 (0:55)

Stay tuned for the following announcements and messages from our sponsors. This message comes from Saatva. Have a big day coming up. Remember, tomorrow starts tonight, with the restorative sleep you need to perform at your best, the kind every Saatva mattress is designed for. So whether it's the first day of school, a new job, or an important presentation, Saatva helps you be the best version of you. And now, save 15% off purchases of $1,000 or more at saatva.com/npr.

That's sdoubleatva.com/npr.

This message comes from Schwab. Investing with Schwab is like a hike with endless trails. Go solo with self-directed investing, take stops along the way with trading, or choose a guide with full service wealth management. Whatever trails you take, you can invest your way with Schwab.

SPEAKER_4 (1:47)

This message comes from Progressive Insurance. Everyone talks about how challenging it is to raise kids, but what about protecting them? Outlet covers, kitchen cabinet locks, baby gates? Where do you even start? Well, protecting your home and auto is a great place to start. Progressive offers customized coverage options so you can be sure you have the right coverage. They're basically the baby gates of insurance. Get a quote at progressive.com. Progressive Casualty Insurance Company, affiliates and other insurers, not available in all states.

A Martínez (2:17)

A teenager shot open the locked doors of an elementary school in Bend, Oregon, on Thursday, where he killed at least three children and a teacher.

Steve Inskeep (2:25)

Local officials say the 16-year-old suspect was killed by a bystander who followed him into Silver Rail Elementary. Steve Cook is superintendent of the Bend-Lepine School District.

Steve Cook (2:36)

We are heartbroken. We are horrified.

This is the kind of thing you hear about in other places and pray that it never happens here. And it has happened here.

Steve Inskeep (2:46)

Classes and after school activities are canceled today across that district.

A Martínez (2:50)

NPR's Arzu Razvani has been following developments on this. Arzu, so have authorities released any more details about the victims or even the suspected government?

Arezou Rezvani (2:59)

Well, the children who were killed were five, eight and 11 years old, according to officials. A teacher was also killed. Their names have not yet been released. Another child, a seven-year-old and another teacher were also critically injured. As for the suspected shooter, the only details officials have shared is that he was 16 years old and a resident of Bend. It's unclear if he attended that school earlier in his life or if he knew anyone there at the time of the attack and his motivations are still under investigation.

A Martínez (3:31)

How did he get into the school?

Arezou Rezvani (3:34)

It looks like he managed to enter by firing at locked doors. That's according to the Bend Police Department Chief, Mike Krantz. I was looking at the website of the Bend-LePine schools last night and something that stood out to me was how the district touts its security protocols. All schools in the district are said to have secure vestibules for sign-in, visitors must present an ID and electronic systems buzz people onto school grounds. But all of this clearly was not enough to keep the gunmen from blowing right through.

A Martínez (4:07)

How fast did officers get there?

Arezou Rezvani (4:09)

It appears they responded within minutes. At 1259, someone called 911 to report their vehicle was being shot at. Two minutes later, after the shooter entered the building, the school went into lockdown, according to Police Chief Krantz. And he said officers appeared on the scene a minute later.

It was soon after that that the suspect was shot by someone at the scene who followed him into the school. At a press conference last night, Oregon Governor Tina Cotec commended that bystander.