Published 10:00 am Friday, October 30, 2026

After an active shooter was reported at Silver Rail Elementary School in Bend on October 15, 2026, Senator Merkley, you stated in a Facebook post and text, “No one should have to fear violence at school.” Republicans and Democrats can agree: violence at school is tragic, and children deserve to learn without fear.

I applaud the swift response of the Bend police on October 15th. However, children should not feel imprisoned or surrounded by police at school. Parents should not fear that their children will never come home. Teachers should not have to prepare to treat gunshot wounds or risk their lives protecting students. Children should not have to become gun-control activists to secure an education, and health care professionals should not have to carry the lasting trauma of caring for the injured and dying.

Condolences and expressions of gratitude matter, but they are not enough.…