Deschutes County reported Thursday that 204 residents began concealed handgun licensing after the October 15 Silver Rail Elementary attack in Bend, and leftover seats for a November 14 class filled in twenty minutes after coverage, Jason Carr said. Officials issued 975 new licenses in 2026’s first nine months, while five later days roughly doubled July-quarter applicants. An armed father of two students shot the 16-year-old after four deaths including children 5, 8 and 11 and a teacher, and Sheriff Ty Rupert said such incidents often raise Second Amendment protection interest.