16-Year-Old John Griffin II Identified in Oregon School Shooting

A 16-year-old identified as John J. Griffin II is accused of killing three children and a teacher at Silver Rail Elementary School in Bend, Oregon, on Thursday, according to three senior law enforcement sources briefed on the investigation who spoke to NBC News. An armed bystander fatally shot Griffin at the scene, interrupting the attack, officials told the outlet.

Who Is John Griffin II, the Oregon Shooting Suspect?

The three law enforcement sources named the teen as John J. Griffin II, NBC News reported. It was not immediately clear whether he had any connection to Silver Rail Elementary School, and police and federal investigators had not publicly identified a motive as of Friday, according to the report.

What Happened at Silver Rail Elementary School?

Officials said the gunman shot through a locked door to gain entry to the Bend school around 1 p.m. local time Thursday, per NBC News. Children ages 5, 8 and 11 were among those killed. A 7-year-old and a teacher were critically injured. An armed bystander shot and killed Griffin, ending the attack, officials said.

Bend Mayor Melanie Kebler addressed the community at a vigil held hours after the shooting. "There are simply no words for the loss that we have suffered today," she said, according to NBC News.

How Did the Teen Obtain the Firearm?

Two senior law enforcement officials told NBC News that Griffin's mother purchased the long gun he used around his birthday in August. The officials did not describe the circumstances of the purchase or say whether she has been charged in connection with the shooting.

By the Numbers

• 16: age of the identified suspect, John J. Griffin II
• 3: children killed, ages 5, 8 and 11
• 1: teacher killed
• 2: additional people critically injured — a 7-year-old and a teacher
• 1 p.m.: local time the gunman shot through a locked door to enter the school, per officials
• August: month the suspect's mother purchased the firearm, according to two senior law enforcement officials

What Do Investigators Still Not Know?

NBC News reported that police and federal investigators had not publicly disclosed a motive as of the network's reporting. It also remained unclear whether Griffin had any connection to Silver Rail Elementary beyond the attack itself.

What to Watch

• Whether investigators identify a motive or any prior connection between Griffin and the school
• Whether charges are filed against Griffin's mother in connection with the firearm purchase
• Updates on the condition of the surviving 7-year-old and injured teacher
• Any statement from Bend Mayor Melanie Kebler or school district officials on security changes
• Follow-up reporting from NBC News, which is tracking the investigation with live updates

NBC News has not reported additional details on charges, and HTT News will update this story as confirmed information becomes available.