The certified learning specialist hailed for confronting a teenage gunman during a deadly attack at an Oregon elementary school broke her silence Friday, stating that she will carry the emotional weight of the incident for the rest of her life.
Cassidy Schutz was publicly identified Friday by the Bend-La Pine Schools district as the staff member who engaged with the shooter during the October 15 attack at Silver Rail Elementary School. The rampage resulted in four deaths and left two others wounded inside a special needs classroom.
“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 in a statement released by the school district. “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. There are no words for this unimaginable reality we are facing.”
During the unfolding violence, Schutz threw her cellular phone at the 16-year-old gunman and wrestled him over his shotgun. Bend Police Chief Mike Krantz has stated that her intervention “almost certainly helped prevent more bloodshed.”
An armed community member who happened to be passing by noticed the armed teenager and followed him inside the building, fatally shooting the gunman during his physical struggle with Schutz, according to law enforcement officials.
The shooting claimed the lives of three boys—ages 5, 8, and 11—along with a teacher. Another child and an additional teacher sustained injuries. Authorities have publicly identified two of the deceased victims as 5-year-old Rhoam Summer and 25-year-old Megan Lambert.
“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,” Schutz said in her statement, while requesting privacy for herself and the school community as the investigation continues.
Law enforcement and school officials have not yet disclosed a motive for the shooting, and the investigation remains active.
