Becky Drury, a teacher wounded during the Silver Rail Elementary School shooting in Bend, Oregon, said she tried to close her classroom door before the gunman shot her at close range. After suffering severe injuries, Drury said she pretended to be dead in hopes of avoiding another attack. The October 15 shooting killed three children and one teacher, while a good Samaritan fatally shot the 16-year-old suspect. Police said the firearm used in the attack was purchased legally and that their investigation remains ongoing.
| 1) | Teacher recounts the attack inside her classroom |
| 2) | Drury describes her injuries and response |
| 3) | Police continue investigating the shooting |
| 4) | Community and schools begin returning to normal |
| 5) | The deadly attack leaves Bend mourning |
Teacher recounts the attack inside her classroom
Drury released a statement on Wednesday describing what happened at Silver Rail Elementary on Thursday, October 15. She said she realized something was happening outside her classroom and ran to see what was going on. When she saw the shooter, she immediately returned to the classroom and attempted to shut the door behind her.
Drury said the gunman was already at the doorway. Before she could take further action, he shot her at close range, causing her to fall to the floor. Her account provides a firsthand description of the moments when the attack reached the classroom and explains how she tried to respond under extreme danger.
Drury describes her injuries and response
While lying on the floor, Drury said she saw that her left hand was almost completely severed by the gunshot. She also reported severe injuries to her other arm. Because she could not stand, defend herself or protect anyone else, she said she chose the only option she believed might prevent another shot.
“I did the only thing I could do, which was to pretend to be dead in the hope he would not shoot me again.”
Drury described the classroom experience as unimaginable and said her thoughts were with those who were injured, those who died, their families, the school and the wider Bend community. Her statement did not provide additional details about her medical treatment.
Police continue investigating the shooting
The Bend Police Department said detectives were conducting a complex investigation as of Wednesday. Investigators had served search warrants at the suspect’s home and examined electronic devices and social media accounts across multiple platforms.
Police said that work would take time. The department also confirmed that the firearm used in the attack was purchased legally. Authorities said the 16-year-old shooter was neutralized by a good Samaritan. The available account does not provide further details about the firearm purchase or the circumstances surrounding the intervention.
Community and schools begin returning to normal
Bend-La Pine Schools began welcoming students back to its other schools on Wednesday, following the shooting at Silver Rail Elementary. The district said artwork and messages of love at the school reflected support from the surrounding community.
Flowers and candles were also placed at a makeshift memorial outside Silver Rail Elementary. The memorial offered residents a place to remember those killed and show support for students, staff members and families affected by the violence.
The deadly attack leaves Bend mourning
The shooting left three children and one teacher dead, in addition to Drury and others who were injured. The deaths have affected the school community and the city of Bend, where residents, families and school personnel have been responding to the tragedy.
Drury’s account highlights the split-second decisions made by staff members during the attack, while the police investigation continues to examine the suspect’s home, devices and online activity. Officials have not announced a final explanation for the motive in the information provided.
| Number | Key Point |
|---|---|
| 1 | Becky Drury said she was shot while attempting to close a classroom door. |
| 2 | She said she pretended to be dead after sustaining severe injuries. |
| 3 | Three children and one teacher were killed at Silver Rail Elementary. |
| 4 | Police said the firearm was purchased legally and the investigation continues. |
Summary
The Silver Rail Elementary shooting killed four people and injured others, including Drury, who has described her effort to secure her classroom and survive the attack. Police are continuing to examine evidence from the suspect’s home, devices and social media accounts. Meanwhile, schools and residents in Bend are supporting affected families and beginning the process of recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did the shooting occur?
The shooting occurred at Silver Rail Elementary in Bend on Thursday, October 15, 2026.
What did Becky Drury say happened?
Drury said she saw the shooter, returned to her classroom and was shot while trying to close the door. She then pretended to be dead after suffering severe injuries.
What is the status of the investigation?
Bend police said detectives were searching the suspect’s home and reviewing electronic devices and social media accounts as part of a complex investigation.
