Oregon teacher who wrestled gunman releases first statement

Cassidy Schutz, a certified learning specialist at Silver Rail Elementary School in Bend, Oregon, issued her first public statement on Friday regarding the deadly shooting that occurred at her workplace. The Bend-La Pine Schools district distributed the written remarks from Schutz, who was inside the building during the October 15 attack.

Police Chief Mike Krantz previously described the physical struggle between Schutz and the armed intruder. According to Krantz, Schutz threw her cellphone at the shooter and wrestled him for the shotgun he held. Her actions assisted Kaylub Giamanco, a student's father, in taking down the 16-year-old former student.

In her statement, Schutz expressed the deep sadness she feels in the aftermath of the event. She described the incident not as a story but as a horrific and heartbreaking tragedy affecting real lives. Schutz said her thoughts are with those who were lost, their families, and those who were hurt. She noted that the events unfolded so quickly that she wished for more time.

Schutz stated that the pain of the loss is something she will carry forever. She identified her current focus as the families, the school team, and her own healing process. She asked the public to provide her with the time, space, and privacy needed to recover. She indicated she will not make any additional public statements at this time.

The shooting took place on October 15 when police said the 16-year-old suspect entered the elementary school and fired into a special needs classroom. The attack killed 25-year-old teacher Megan Lambert and three students: Rhoam Summer, age 5, and two other children, ages 8 and 11. The shooter was also killed at the scene.

Two other individuals survived with gunshot wounds. Teacher Becky Drury and a 7-year-old girl were shot and survived the incident. The district released Schutz's statement on Friday, marking her first communication with the public since the tragedy.

Schutz’s account aligns with police details of the confrontation in the classroom. The release of her statement comes one week after the incident that closed Silver Rail Elementary and prompted a community response. The statement concludes with her request for privacy as she continues to process the events.