Investigators probe Bend school shooter’s connection to violent extremist groups

Key Points:

• Federal and state law enforcement are investigating the 16-year-old shooter in the Bend elementary school attack for possible connections to violent online extremist groups, particularly the "nihilist violent extremist" network known as "764."
• Investigators are examining how the shooter obtained the shotgun used in the attack and whether others online encouraged or helped plan the mass shooting, though no co-conspirators have been confirmed.
• The shooter is described as a socially disaffected teen heavily involved in online communities, with law enforcement issuing search warrants to platforms like Discord, where such extremist groups operate.
• The FBI and Oregon authorities have linked "764" to recent violent incidents in Oregon schools, highlighting a trend of young perpetrators influenced by nihilistic online subcultures that glorify violence and mass killings.
• Separately, the Oregon Department of Justice is investigating Discord for allegedly failing to protect minors on its platform, emphasizing the need for stronger oversight of social media companies to prevent harm to children.