Cassidy Schutz, a certified learning specialist at Silver Rail Elementary School in Bend, Oregon, has issued her first public statement since the Oct. 15 shooting. Schutz helped confront the teenage gunman during the attack, which killed three children and a teacher. She described the incident as a devastating loss and asked for time and privacy as she heals.
The shooting occurred inside a classroom serving students with special needs after a 16-year-old former student entered the school and opened fire, according to police. Four people were killed, while another teacher and a child survived their injuries.
| 1) | Teacher releases first statement after attack |
| 2) | Schutz describes the lasting pain of the tragedy |
| 3) | How the teacher confronted the gunman |
| 4) | Victims and survivors identified after shooting |
| 5) | Community faces recovery and continued investigation |
Teacher releases first statement after attack
Cassidy Schutz, a certified learning specialist at Silver Rail Elementary School, released her statement through Bend-La Pine Schools on Friday, slightly more than two weeks after the attack. The statement was her first public comment since the shooting in Bend on Oct. 15.
Schutz addressed the families of those killed, the injured, school staff and others who were present. She said her focus was on the affected families, the school team, the school community and her own recovery, while making clear that she would not issue additional public statements at this time.
Schutz describes the lasting pain of the tragedy
In her statement, Schutz said the event could not be reduced to a news story and characterized it as a horrific tragedy affecting real people. She expressed sorrow for those who died, their relatives and those who were hurt or witnessed the attack.
“There are no words to describe the depth of sadness I am feeling following the events of October 15th. This is not a story. This is a horrific and heartbreaking tragedy, and it is our real lives,” Schutz said.
She said the events unfolded quickly and that she wished there had been more time to respond. Schutz also said the pain of the loss would remain with her forever, underscoring the emotional impact of the shooting on survivors and the wider school community.
How the teacher confronted the gunman
Bend Police Chief Mike Krantz previously credited Schutz with taking direct action during the attack. According to the police account, she threw her cellphone at the shooter and wrestled with him for control of his shotgun.
Her intervention occurred as the gunman attacked a classroom serving students with special needs. The confrontation was one of several actions by adults during the shooting, including the response of a parent who later stopped the attacker. Schutz was injured in the incident and is now continuing to recover away from public attention.
Victims and survivors identified after shooting
The attack killed teacher Megan Lambert, 25, and three students. The children included Rhoam Summer, 5, as well as two other children who were 8 and 11 years old. Their deaths prompted mourning in Bend and among the school community.
Teacher Becky Drury and a 7-year-old girl were wounded but survived. Drury previously said she tried to close her classroom door after seeing the gunman, but she was shot before she could prevent him from entering. She suffered serious injuries to both arms and said she pretended to be dead to avoid being shot again.
Community faces recovery and continued investigation
Police said the attacker was a 16-year-old former student who entered Silver Rail Elementary and opened fire. Parent Kaylub Giamanco, 36, ultimately shot and killed the attacker, according to the account of the incident. The sequence of events has drawn attention to the actions taken by school staff and community members during the emergency.
Schutz’s request for privacy reflects the continuing recovery process for survivors, families and staff. Her statement offered condolences without detailing her own injuries or future plans, and she said she needed time and space to heal as the school community copes with the consequences of the attack.
| Number | Key Point |
|---|---|
| 1 | Cassidy Schutz issued her first public statement more than two weeks after the Oct. 15 shooting. |
| 2 | She said she is focused on the victims’ families, the school community and her own healing. |
| 3 | Police said Schutz threw her cellphone and wrestled the gunman for his shotgun. |
| 4 | The shooting killed three children and teacher Megan Lambert, while two people survived their injuries. |
Summary
Cassidy Schutz’s statement provided a limited but emotional account of the aftermath of the Silver Rail Elementary shooting. Her decision to request privacy highlights the ongoing trauma facing survivors and school staff, while the deaths of four people continue to affect families and the Bend community.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did the Silver Rail Elementary shooting occur?
The shooting occurred on Oct. 15 at Silver Rail Elementary School in Bend, Oregon.
What did Cassidy Schutz say in her statement?
Schutz expressed grief for those killed and injured, said she would carry the loss with her, and asked for time, space and privacy while she heals.
How did Schutz respond during the attack?
Police Chief Mike Krantz said Schutz threw her cellphone at the shooter and wrestled him for control of his shotgun.
