Silver Rail teacher releases first statement after Oregon shooting

BEND, Ore. Cassidy Schutz, a certified learning specialist at Silver Rail Elementary School, issued her first public statement regarding the October 15 shooting. The statement was released by Bend-La Pine Schools on Friday.

The shooting took place on a Thursday when police say a 16-year-old former student entered the school. He opened fire inside a special needs classroom. The shooter was killed during the incident. Teacher Megan Lambert, 25, was killed along with three students. The children were Rhoam Summer, 5, and two other students, ages 8 and 11. Teacher Becky Drury and a 7-year-old girl were shot and survived.

Police accounts of the day describe Schutz’s actions during the chaos. Bend Police Chief Mike Krantz stated that Schutz threw her cellphone at the shooter. He added that she wrestled with the armed teen for the shotgun he carried. Those efforts helped save lives and assisted Kaylub Giamanco, the father of one of the students, in taking down the gunman.

In her written statement, Schutz expressed the depth of her sadness over the events. She noted that the tragedy is not a story but a heartbreaking reality affecting real lives. Schutz said her thoughts are with the families of those lost and hurt, as well as with those who were present that day.

She described how quickly the events unfolded and expressed a wish for more time. Schutz said she will carry the pain of the loss forever. She stated that her current focus is on the families, the school team, and her own healing process.

Schutz asked the public to give her the time, space, and privacy necessary to recover. She indicated that she will not be making any additional public statements at this time.