Teacher who fought off gunman at Bend elementary school issues statement

BEND, Ore. (KPTV) – The teacher who fought with the shooter during the shooting at Silver Rail Elementary School in Bend has released her first statement.

Bend-La Pine Schools released a statement Friday from Cassidy Schutz, certified elementary school learning specialist.

Schutz was the teacher who threw her cellphone at the shooter and fought him for the shotgun, according to Bend Police Chief Mike Krantz.

Here is Schutz’s statement in full:

“There are no words to describe the depth of sadness I feel following the events of October 15. This is not a story. This is a horrible, heartbreaking tragedy, and these are our real lives. My thoughts are with those who were lost, with their families, with those who were injured, and with those who were there that day. My heart is with you. It all happened so quickly and I wish with everything in me that we had more time. The pain of this loss that I will carry with me forever. There are no words for this unimaginable reality that we face. My focus is on these families, our team, our school, and my own healing, I ask that you give me the time, space, and privacy I need to heal.

The shooting happened Oct. 15 when police said a 16-year-old former student went to Silver Rail Elementary School and fired shots into a special education classroom. Teacher Megan Lambert, 25, was killed along with students Rhoam Summer, 5, and two other children aged 8 and 11. The shooter was also killed.

Another teacher, Becky Drury, and a 7-year-old girl were shot and survived the shooting.

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