Cassidy Schutz' full statement
about the school shooting.
“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. 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. There are no words for this unimaginable reality we are facing. My focus is on these families, our team, our school, and my own healing. As I continue to navigate this, I ask that you please give me the time, space, and privacy I need to heal. I will not be making any additional public statements at this time.” KATU 2 ABC reported
+++++++
These are the exact public words of Cassidy Schutz, a certified learning specialist who survived the shooting at Silver Rail Elementary School in Bend, Oregon.
It is the official statement released by the Bend-La Pine School District on October 30, 2026, marking her first public response to the tragedy.
Context of the Incident
- The Date and Location: The shooting occurred on October 15, 2026, inside a special education classroom at Silver Rail Elementary.
- Cassidy Schutz's Actions: Law enforcement and community members have widely recognized Schutz as a hero. According to Bend Police Chief Mike Krantz, she threw her cellphone at the
16-year-old gunman and physically wrestled him for his shotgun, an intervention credited with preventing further loss of life.
- The Resolution: Her struggle with the gunman provided a window of time for Kaylub Giamanco, an armed parent who had run into the school after hearing the initial gunfire, to intervene and fatally shoot the attacker.
- The Victims: Sadly, the attack claimed the lives of four people inside the classroom: 25-year-old teacher Megan Lambert, 5-year-old student Rhoam Summer, and two other children aged 8 and 11. Another teacher, Becky Drury, and a 7-year-old girl were wounded but survived.
Schutz concluded her statement by asking for time, space, and privacy for her own healing and out of respect for the affected families.
Links:
Oregon Public Broadcasting coverage: https://opb.org
The Oregonian: https://oregonlive.com
