Teacher wounded in Bend school shooting says she tried to close door before shooter entered
A teacher injured in the Silver Rail Elementary School shooting recounted attempting to shut the classroom door as the 16-year-old gunman entered, while police continue a complex investigation.
A teacher who was shot at close range during the Silver Rail Elementary School shooting in Bend, Oregon, said she saw the teenage gunman and tried to shut the classroom door, but the shooter was already inside. Becky Drury described lying on the floor with severe injuries to both arms and said she pretended to be dead in hopes the attacker would not fire again.
The attack, which began around 1 p.m., left three children aged 5, 8 and 11 and a 25-year-old teacher dead. Police said a bystander fatally shot the 16-year-old gunman after the shooter fired at a truck and entered the school. The bystander followed the gunman and shot him as another teacher wrestled for the weapon.
Investigators are examining whether the shooter accessed extremist material online, including content linked to “nihilistic violent extremism.” The weapon, a Maverick 88 pump-action 12-gauge shotgun, was purchased legally, and police indicated the shooter’s mother bought it in August.
Bend Police detectives have executed search warrants at the suspect’s home and seized electronic devices and social-media accounts, noting that the investigation is ongoing and will take time. Students in the Bend-La Pine Schools district returned to class Wednesday, though Silver Rail Elementary remained closed.
The district said it is supporting students with artwork and messages of love. Authorities have publicly identified two victims: 5-year-old Rhoam Summer and teacher Megan Lambert. Drury said she heard a noise, investigated, saw the shooter, and attempted to close the door before being shot.
"What happened in that classroom was unimaginable, and like so many in this community, my heart is broken for everyone affected by this tragedy," Drury said.
"My thoughts are with those who were hurt, those we lost, their families, our school, and the Bend community. I am truly grateful for the kindness and support we have received as we face the difficult days ahead together," she added.