Investigation into Bend School Shooting Links to Online Extremist Group “764”

Last week a 16-year-old armed with a shotgun opened fire at Silver Rail Elementary in Bend, Oregon, killing three children and a teacher. Federal and state investigators are probing how the teen obtained the weapon and whether online actors encouraged or helped plan the attack. The FBI has classified the case under its “nihilist violent extremist” umbrella, a label applied to groups without a clear ideology. One such group, known only as “764,” is being examined for possible ties to the shooter. Search warrants have been issued to Discord and other platforms believed to host the network’s activity.

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This is the second instance in a month that the group has surfaced in connection with an Oregon school incident; investigators previously linked it to a Benson High School student who released toxic chemicals in a cafeteria. Earlier this month the U.S. Justice Department secured guilty pleas from two individuals identified as leaders of “764.” Researchers note a growing pattern of nihilistic teens—individuals with no clear political motive—who gravitate toward such online subcultures.

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The Bend Police Department declined to comment on investigative details, reiterating that information will not be confirmed at this time. The Oregon Attorney General’s Office announced a civil demand letter to Discord, requesting data on teen accounts dating back to 2021, and emphasized the need for strong oversight of platforms that could harm children. Federal agencies, including the FBI and the Department of Justice, have not responded to media inquiries about the ongoing probe.

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Criminology professor James Densley, who co-founded the Violence Prevention Project Research Center, explained that participation in extremist online spaces varies widely. Some users merely consume content, while others actively contribute and help sustain the culture.

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The Oregon Department of Justice’s investigation into Discord’s child-safety practices continues, with the agency seeking records that could reveal how underage users were exposed to extremist content. No further public actions or court dates have been announced.

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• “We have not released any of that information and we will not confirm it at this time,” — Sheila Miller, a spokesperson for the Bend Police Department

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• “There are gradations of participation. You’ve got people that are consuming content, but then you’ve got others that are actually, actively contributing content. They are truly participating in this culture,” — James Densley, a professor of criminology at Metro State University in Minnesota

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• “You’ve also got these coercive online communities where adults are literally exploiting young people,” — James Densley, a professor of criminology at Metro State University in Minnesota

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• “As part of a comprehensive look at social media and AI technologies that have power to harm kids, the Oregon Department of Justice is investigating whether Discord failed to protect underage users, despite assurances that they have protections in place,” — Attorney General Dan Rayfield

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