Bend teacher speaks after classroom attack

Cassidy Schutz has broken her public silence regarding the October 15 shooting at Silver Rail Elementary in Bend, Oregon, where she physically struggled with the gunman for control of his weapon.

In her first statement since the attack, released Friday through the Bend-La Pine Schools district, the learning specialist described the event as a permanent part of her life. She emphasized that the incident was not a narrative but a series of real events affecting their actual lives.

"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 wrote.

She expressed deep concern for the families of the victims and those who survived the day. The statement noted that the sequence of events occurred rapidly, leaving her wishing for more time to prepare or react.

"My thoughts are with those who were lost, their families, those who were hurt, and those who were there that day. My heart is with you. It all happened so fast, and I wish with everything in me that we had more time. The pain of this loss I will carry with me forever," she continued.

Police records previously established that Schutz threw her cellphone at the shooter before wrestling him for the shotgun. The 16-year-old former student entered the school and fired inside a classroom serving students with special needs.

Teacher Megan Lambert, 25, and students Rhoam Summer, 5, and two others, ages 8 and 11, died in the incident. Becky Drury, another teacher, and a 7-year-old girl survived with injuries. Drury said she tried to close her door but was shot in both arms before pretending to be dead until Kaylub Giamanco, 36, killed the attacker.